Heat and temperature

Thermal energy always moves from hotter to cooler, by conduction, convection or radiation, until the two reach the same temperature.

A worked example

Water at 90 degrees Celsius that has cooled to 62 degrees after 35 minutes dropped 28 degrees, so the average rate is 28 / 35 = 0.8 degrees per minute.

The mistake people actually make

Cold does not travel; only thermal energy does, and it always leaves the warmer object. A metal object feels colder than a wooden one at the same temperature because it carries heat away from your hand faster.

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