Chapter 9, Problem 16TE

To determine

The reason behind the fact that the temperature of all objects do not continuously increase even though they continuously absorb energy from their surroundings.

Answer to Problem 16TE

The reason behind the fact that the temperature of all objects does not continuously increase even though they continuously absorb energy from their surroundings is that they also continuously emit radiant energy, which makes the temperature a constant.

Explanation of Solution

When two systems exchange the energy in the form of heat through space, then this mode of transfer is called radiation. The transferred energy is termed as radiant energy. And this takes the form of electromagnetic waves.

Any substances at any temperature over absolute zero emit radiant energy. At the same time, they also absorb energy continuously from their surroundings. This intake of energy helps the substances from continuously decreasing its temperature.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the reason behind the fact that the temperature of all objects does not continuously increase even though they continuously absorb energy from their surroundings is that they also continuously emit radiant energy, which makes the temperature a constant.