Which Item Would Probably Contain the Most Heat

Question

Which item would probably contain the most heat?
A) a cup of coffee that is 140 degrees F
B) a person that is 98.6 degrees F
C) a large lake filled with water that is 72 degrees F
D) a smoldering campfire ember that is 400 degrees F

Accepted Answer

The amount of heat an object contains depends on its mass and temperature. A large lake, despite having a lower temperature than the other options, has a significantly greater mass, allowing it to store a vast amount of heat energy compared to the smaller, though hotter, items listed.