Question

use the information and the data table to answer the following question. a family is packing cold drinks and ice for a picnic. they need to determine the material that will do the best job for the longest time. material type specific heat capacity (j/g°c) plastic 0.30 styrofoam 1.34 cork 0.45 aluminum 0.90 which material type would be the best to store the cold drinks and ice? provide evidence to support your response.

Explanation:

Step1: Understand specific - heat capacity concept

The higher the specific - heat capacity of a material, the more heat energy it can absorb or release without a large change in its own temperature.

Step2: Compare values in table

Styrofoam has the highest specific - heat capacity among the given materials ($1.34\ J/g^{\circ}C$), while plastic has $0.30\ J/g^{\circ}C$, cork has $0.45\ J/g^{\circ}C$, and aluminum has $0.90\ J/g^{\circ}C$.

Step3: Determine best material

Since styrofoam can absorb more heat from the surroundings without a large increase in its own temperature, it will keep the cold drinks and ice cold for the longest time.

Answer:

Styrofoam. Evidence: It has the highest specific - heat capacity ($1.34\ J/g^{\circ}C$) among the materials listed, meaning it can absorb more heat from the environment without a significant temperature increase, thus keeping the cold drinks and ice cold for longer.