The problem provides temperatures of four materials after exposure to a heat lamp.
We analyze each conclusion based on the principle that higher temperature indicates greater heat absorption and lower temperature indicates greater reflection.
We find that only the conclusion "Material W is less absorbent than material Z" is supported by the data.
Therefore, the answer is Material W is less absorbent than material Z.
Explanation
Understanding the Problem We are given the temperatures of four materials after being placed under a heat lamp. The goal is to determine which conclusion about their absorption or reflection is best supported by the temperature data. Higher temperature suggests greater absorption, while lower temperature suggests greater reflection.
Listing the Temperatures Material W has a temperature of 87°F. Material X has a temperature of 99°F. Material Y has a temperature of 75°F. Material Z has a temperature of 105°F.
Analyzing Each Conclusion Let's analyze each conclusion:
Material W is less absorbent than material Z. Since the temperature of Z (105°F) is higher than that of W (87°F), this statement is supported by the data.
Material Y is the least reflective. Since the temperature of Y (75°F) is the lowest, it suggests that Y absorbed the least heat, meaning it is more reflective, not less. This statement is not supported.
Material X is more reflective than material W. Since the temperature of X (99°F) is higher than that of W (87°F), it suggests that X absorbed more heat and is thus less reflective. This statement is not supported.
Material Z is the least absorbent. Since the temperature of Z (105°F) is the highest, it suggests that Z absorbed the most heat, meaning it is more absorbent, not less. This statement is not supported.
Determining the Best Supported Conclusion Based on the analysis, only the first conclusion, "Material W is less absorbent than material Z," is supported by the data.
Final Answer The best supported conclusion is that Material W is less absorbent than Material Z.
Examples
Understanding how different materials absorb heat is crucial in many real-world applications. For example, when designing buildings, architects consider the absorptivity of roofing materials to minimize energy consumption for cooling. Darker materials absorb more heat, which can increase indoor temperatures, while lighter, more reflective materials can help keep buildings cooler. Similarly, in clothing design, the choice of fabric color can affect how much heat is absorbed from the sun, influencing comfort levels in different weather conditions. This principle is also applied in solar panel technology, where materials are selected for their ability to efficiently absorb sunlight and convert it into energy.
The best supported conclusion from the data is that Material W is less absorbent than Material Z, as Z has a higher temperature indicating greater heat absorption. Other conclusions regarding reflectivity and absorbency are not supported by the temperature readings. Therefore, the correct answer is option A.
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