Question

A student wants to compare how easily a metal and a plastic spoon of the same temperature can transfer thermal energy. Which of the following activities should the student perform?
Measure the effort required to bend each spoon.
Place an ice cube on each spoon and record the rate of melting of the cubes.
Place the spoons at room temperature and record the change in temperature of each.
Measure the change in weight of the spoons after placing them in the freezer for a few minutes.

Answer 1

Answer: Place an ice cube on each spoon and record the rate of melting of cubes.

We have heard that plastic is an insulator of heat and metal is a conductor of heat. That is why the cooking utensils are made of metal and spoons of plastic.

When ice cube would be placed on the two spoons, the one on metal would melt faster. As metal is a good conductor of heat, the amount of heat transfer would be greater in case of metal spoon and hence, ice would melt faster.

Answer 2

Measure the effort required to bend each spoon.