A student conducts an experiment that involves the transfer of energy. The student places one metal spoon, one plastic spoon, and one wooden spoon in a glass that contains hot water. A small pat of butter is placed onto each spoon.

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The pat of butter on the metal spoon is the first to melt and slide down the spoon. Which of the following descriptions BEST explains the results of this experiment?

A
The metal material has a rigid structure with little molecular movement, allowing heat to transfer directly from one end of the spoon to the other.

B
The metal material is made up of well-spaced molecules, allowing the heat to travel through the air pockets and reach the butter the fastest.

C
The metal material transfers energy from molecular collisions up the length of the spoon the fastest, allowing the heat to reach the butter the fastest.

D
The metal material condenses steam quickly, allowing the heat from the steam to warm both the metal spoon and the butter on it the fastest.

1 answer

The correct answer is C. The metal material transfers energy from molecular collisions up the length of the spoon the fastest, allowing the heat to reach the butter the fastest. This is because metals have a high thermal conductivity, meaning they can quickly transfer heat from one end to the other through molecular collisions.