B. The foam has tiny air pockets that slow the transfer of thermal
energy away from the water in the pipe
Explanation:
Air cannot conduct heat well and can be used as a good insulator. Poor heat conduction of the insulator. When it is cold outside, the temperature gradient will adapt to the environment. The temperature of the water in the pipe is relatively high. It loses heat to the environment. The foam layer prevents this form of heat exchange due to surrounding air pockets.
B. The foam has tiny air pockets that slow the transfer of thermal
energy away from the water in the pipe
Explanation:
Air is a poor conductor thermal energy and can be used as good insulator. Insulators are poor conductors of heat.
When it is freezing outside, the temperature gradient will tend to adjust to the ambient one. The water in the pipe being at a higher temperature will tend to lose heat energy to the surrounding.
The layer of foam will prevent this form of heat exchange from happening because of the air pocket that is present around.
