Anya recorded the temperatures of four different smooth materials after they were placed under a heat lamp for thirty minutes.
| Material | Temperature (°F) |
| -------- | ------------------ |
| W | 87 |
| X | 99 |
| Y | 75 |
| Z | 105 |
Which conclusion is best supported by the information in the chart?
A. Material W is less absorbent than material Z.
B. Material Y is the least reflective.
C. Material X is more reflective than material W.
D. Material Z is the least absorbent.
Answer (2)
The problem provides temperatures of four materials under a heat lamp.
Higher temperature indicates more heat absorption and less reflectivity.
Lower temperature indicates less heat absorption and more reflectivity.
Material W is less absorbent than material Z is the only supported conclusion, since W (87°F) < Z (105°F).
The final 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 higher the temperature, the more heat the material absorbed, and thus the less reflective it is. The lower the temperature, the less heat the material absorbed, and thus the more reflective it is. We need to determine which of the given conclusions is best supported by the data.
Analyzing the Conclusions Let's analyze each conclusion:
Material W is less absorbent than material Z: Material W has a temperature of 87°F, and Material Z has a temperature of 105°F. Since 87 < 105, Material W absorbed less heat than Material Z, meaning Material W is less absorbent than Material Z. This statement is supported.
Material Y is the least reflective: Material Y has a temperature of 75°F, which is the lowest temperature. This means Material Y absorbed the least heat and is therefore the most reflective, not the least. This statement is not supported.
Material X is more reflective than material W: Material X has a temperature of 99°F, and Material W has a temperature of 87°F. Since 99 > 87, Material X absorbed more heat than Material W, meaning it is less reflective, not more. This statement is not supported.
Material Z is the least absorbent: Material Z has a temperature of 105°F, which is the highest temperature. This means Material Z absorbed the most heat and is therefore the most absorbent, not the least. This statement is not supported.
Final Answer Based on the analysis, only the first conclusion, 'Material W is less absorbent than material Z,' is supported by the data.
Examples
Understanding heat absorption and reflection is crucial in many real-world applications. For instance, choosing the right color for your clothing on a sunny day can significantly impact your comfort. Darker colors absorb more sunlight and heat, making you feel warmer, while lighter colors reflect more sunlight, helping you stay cooler. Similarly, the materials used in building construction are selected based on their ability to absorb or reflect heat, influencing the energy efficiency of the building.
The conclusion best supported by the chart data is that Material W is less absorbent than Material Z, as it has a lower temperature after being exposed to the heat lamp. The other conclusions are not supported by the temperature readings provided. Therefore, the correct choice is A.
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