Two objects are in thermal contact and are at different temperatures. What is/are determined by the temperatures of the two objects?

I.     The direction of thermal energy transfer between the objects

II.     The quantity of internal energy stored by each object

III.     The process by which energy is transferred between the objects

A.     I only

B.     II only

C.     I and II only

D.     I, II and III

C

Many candidates seemed to think that when two bodies of different temperatures are placed in thermal contact, then the “process” of energy transferral depends upon the temperatures involved. However, thermal contact involves thermal energy transfer by conduction only so cannot depend upon the temperatures.