What is the effect of a larger temperature difference on energy loss in a given time?

A larger temperature difference results in an increased rate of energy transfer, which is primarily due to the laws of thermodynamics and heat transfer principles. When two objects or systems have a greater temperature difference, the thermal energy naturally flows from the hotter object to the cooler one at a faster rate. This is rooted in the second law of thermodynamics, which states that heat will flow from a region of higher temperature to a region of lower temperature until thermal equilibrium is reached.

In practical terms, if you have a hot object placed in a cooler environment, the rate of heat energy lost from the hot object to the surroundings will be greater if the temperature of the surrounding environment is significantly lower. This increased energy loss can occur via conduction, convection, or radiation, depending on the context.

For example, consider a hot cup of coffee placed in a cold room. The greater the temperature difference between the coffee and the room, the more quickly heat is transferred from the coffee to the surrounding air, causing the coffee to cool faster. Thus, with a larger temperature gradient, energy loss accelerates within a specified time frame.