Why does the tea cool down when Juan adds ice to it?
Because the ice was cold, and it melted in the tea. So the tea is now cooler.
Explanation:
When Juan adds ice to the tea to make ice tea, the ice starts to melt in the tea due to the difference in temperature between the ice and the tea. The ice absorbs heat from the tea to reach an equilibrium temperature, causing the ice to melt and release its cooler temperature into the tea. As a result, the temperature of the tea decreases as the ice melts, making the tea cooler.
This process is based on the principle of thermal equilibrium. Heat always moves from a higher temperature to a lower temperature until both substances reach the same temperature. In this case, the ice is at a lower temperature than the tea, so heat energy flows from the tea to the ice until they reach a common temperature. This transfer of heat causes the ice to melt and the overall temperature of the tea to decrease.
When adding ice to the tea, Juan is essentially utilizing the physical properties of ice (solid form) and water (liquid form) to cool down the tea. The phase change from solid to liquid requires the absorption of heat energy, which is drawn from the tea. This results in a drop in temperature in the tea, creating a refreshing and chilled beverage.
In conclusion, the tea cools down when Juan adds ice to it because the ice absorbs heat from the tea as it melts, transferring its cooler temperature to the tea and lowering the overall temperature of the beverage. So, next time you want a nice, chilled glass of ice tea, remember the science behind it - it's all about that thermal equilibrium and heat transfer!