water molecules moving apart. cold air penetrating the hot water. heat from the water moving into the cooler air. hot water reacting with the metal pan.
I gave my students this multiple choice question: A pan containing hot water is left on the counter and becomes cool mainly due to

Only one answer is correct among these 4 choices:
- water molecules moving apart.
- cold air penetrating the hot water.
- heat from the water moving into the cooler air.
- hot water reacting with the metal pan.

Could you tell me which one is correct?

heat from the water moving into the cooler air.