Question

the table shows how the temperature of each baked potato changed over 30 minutes. baked potato: potato not wrapped in foil, initial temperature (°c): 98, final temperature (°c): 70; potato wrapped in foil, initial temperature (°c): 100, final temperature (°c): 77. the next time eduardo bakes a potato, he does not want it to cool down quickly. what should he do to minimize the rate of thermal energy transfer out of the baked potato? options: leave the potato unwrapped, wrap the potato in foil, either; the rate of thermal energy transfer is the same whether or not the potato is wrapped in foil

Explanation:

Step1: Calculate temp change (unwrapped)

$\Delta T_1 = 98^\circ\text{C} - 70^\circ\text{C} = 28^\circ\text{C}$

Step2: Calculate temp change (wrapped)

$\Delta T_2 = 100^\circ\text{C} - 77^\circ\text{C} = 23^\circ\text{C}$

Step3: Compare cooling rates

A smaller temperature drop means slower thermal energy loss. $\Delta T_2 < \Delta T_1$, so wrapping slows cooling.

Answer:

wrap the potato in foil