Item NG023002: When cold water is poured into a cup that is at room temperature, thermal energy is transferred from the cup to the water until they are both at the same temperature.
An empty paper cup is the same temperature as the air in the room. A student fills the cup with cold water. Which of the following describes how thermal energy is transferred?
- Thermal energy is transferred from the cold water to the cup until they are at the same temperature.
- Thermal energy is transferred from the cup to the cold water until they are at the same temperature.
- Thermal energy is transferred from the cup to the cold water until the cup has no more thermal energy.
- Thermal energy is not transferred between the cup and the cold water.
- Distribution of Responses

- Students Responding Correctly
Group | Correct | Total | Percent |
---|---|---|---|
Overall | 1034 | 2904 | 36% |
Grades | |||
6–8 | 534 | 1729 | 31% |
9–12 | 496 | 1168 | 42% |
Gender | |||
Male | 542 | 1428 | 38% |
Female | 469 | 1414 | 33% |
Primary Language | |||
English | 934 | 2615 | 36% |
Other | 60 | 212 | 28% |