Question

the table shows the same data about how the temperature of each refrigerator changed over 10 minutes. refrigerator initial temperature (°c) final temperature (°c) refrigerator with its door open 3.8 12.3 refrigerator with its door closed 3.8 5.5 which statement is correct? thermal energy was transferred more slowly into the refrigerator with its door open. thermal energy was transferred more slowly into the refrigerator with its door closed. thermal energy was transferred into both refrigerators at the same rate.

Explanation:

Step1: Calculate temperature change for open - door fridge

The initial temperature of the fridge with its door open is $3.8^{\circ}C$ and the final temperature is $12.3^{\circ}C$. The temperature change $\Delta T_{open}=12.3 - 3.8=8.5^{\circ}C$.

Step2: Calculate temperature change for closed - door fridge

The initial temperature of the fridge with its door closed is $3.8^{\circ}C$ and the final temperature is $5.5^{\circ}C$. The temperature change $\Delta T_{closed}=5.5 - 3.8 = 1.7^{\circ}C$.

Step3: Analyze heat transfer rate

In the same time interval (10 minutes), a larger temperature change indicates a faster transfer of thermal energy. Since $\Delta T_{open}>\Delta T_{closed}$, thermal energy was transferred more slowly into the refrigerator with its door closed.

Answer:

Thermal energy was transferred more slowly into the refrigerator with its door closed.