Question

hector had a red cooler and a blue cooler. the coolers were identical, and each was filled with four gallons of drinking water. this table shows how the temperature of each cooler of water changed over 1 hour.
cooler of water | initial temperature (°c) | final temperature (°c)
blue cooler of water | 3.3 | 5.3
red cooler of water | 3.0 | 5.0
the next time hector uses a cooler, he does not want the water inside of it to warm up quickly. what should he do to minimize the rate of thermal energy transfer into the cooler of water?
use the blue cooler
use the red cooler
either; the rate of thermal energy transfer is the same whether the cooler is red or blue

Explanation:

Step1: Calculate temp change for blue cooler

$\Delta T_{\text{blue}} = 5.3^\circ\text{C} - 3.3^\circ\text{C} = 2.0^\circ\text{C}$

Step2: Calculate temp change for red cooler

$\Delta T_{\text{red}} = 5.0^\circ\text{C} - 3.0^\circ\text{C} = 2.0^\circ\text{C}$

Step3: Compare thermal transfer rates

Since both coolers have identical volume, same time elapsed, and equal temperature change, their thermal energy transfer rates are equal.

Answer:

either; the rate of thermal energy transfer is the same whether the cooler is red or blue