When a glass of hot water is placed in the fridge, its temperature will decrease over time due to the process of heat transfer. The fridge is designed to maintain a low temperature, typically around 35 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit (1.6 to 4.4 degrees Celsius). The hot water will lose heat to the colder surroundings of the fridge until it reaches thermal equilibrium with the surrounding air and objects.
Initially, the temperature drop will be relatively rapid, and the rate of cooling will depend on various factors such as the initial temperature of the water, the volume of water in the glass, the temperature inside the fridge, and the insulating properties of the glass. As time passes, the rate of cooling will slow down until the water reaches the same temperature as the fridge (or slightly above it) and remains relatively stable at that point.
It's important to note that during this process, the fridge will also gain some heat from the hot water. However, the fridge's cooling system will remove this excess heat to maintain its internal temperature, ensuring that other items in the fridge stay cool.
Overall, placing a glass of hot water in the fridge is an effective way to cool it down quickly. It's a common method used when someone wants to rapidly cool hot beverages or prepare iced tea or cold drinks.