Question

question 25 of 30
which statement best describes what happens when thermal energy of the air around a fire is transferred to the surrounding air?

a. the thermal energy is destroyed as it changes to chemical energy.
b. the thermal energy is spread out by the surrounding air.
c. the thermal energy changes to chemical energy.
d. the thermal energy is destroyed over time.

Explanation:

• Option A: Energy cannot be destroyed, and thermal energy doesn't change to chemical energy here, so A is wrong.
• Option B: When thermal energy from air around fire transfers to surrounding air, it's heat transfer (like conduction/convection), spreading the energy out. This follows the law of conservation of energy (energy is transferred, not destroyed).
• Option C: There's no chemical reaction here to convert thermal to chemical energy, so C is wrong.
• Option D: Energy can't be destroyed, so D is wrong.

Answer:

B. The thermal energy is spread out by the surrounding air.