Question

Which best explains why metal cooking utensils often have plastic coating on their handles?

Plastic melts less easily and lasts longer than metal.
Plastic reduces the transfer of thermal energy to hands holding the utensils.
Plastic molds more easily into shapes like long, thin handles.
Plastic increases the rate of conduction from the utensil to the food.

Answer 1

Plastic reduces the transfer of thermal energy to hands holding the utensils.

Plastic is a thermal insulator (much lower thermal conductivity than metal), so a plastic-coated handle slows heat flow from the hot metal to your hand and helps prevent burns.