The hot stove absorbed cold from the pot. The cold water absorbed heat from the pot. The hot stove gave off heat to the surrounding air. The cold water gave off cold to the surrounding air.
I gave my students this multiple choice question: A pot of cold water was heated on a stove until the water boiled. Which of the following best explains why the water was able to boil?

Only one answer is correct among these 4 choices:
- The hot stove absorbed cold from the pot.
- The cold water absorbed heat from the pot.
- The hot stove gave off heat to the surrounding air.
- The cold water gave off cold to the surrounding air.

Could you tell me which one is correct?

The cold water absorbed heat from the pot.