MCAT Physics Question 42: Answer and Explanation
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Question: 42
12. The figure shown depicts a thick metal container with two compartments. Compartment A is full of a hot gas, while compartment B is full of a cold gas. What is the primary mode of heat transfer in this system?
- A. Radiation
- B. Convection
- C. Conduction
- D. Enthalpy
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
In this situation, heat will transfer from the warm gas to the metal and then to the cold gas. Choice (B), convection, requires flow of a fluid to cause heat transfer. In this case, the gas is not flowing, but rather is in contact with the metal. Choice (A), heat transfer through radiation, is also implausible not only because gases are unlikely to emit heat in the form of waves, but also because the radiation would be unlikely to penetrate the thick metal container. Enthalpy, choice (D), is not a form of heat transfer. Conduction, choice (C), is the most likely option; it happens when two substances make direct contact with one another. Here, gas A makes contact with the metal container, which makes contact with gas B.