An ice cube melts noticeably faster on an aluminum slab than on a plastic cutting board
PHYSICS · Single correct · CBSE · Physics · Thermal Properties of Matter · Thermal Properties of Matter
Problem
An ice cube melts noticeably faster on an aluminum slab than on a plastic cutting board, even though both surfaces start at the same room temperature. Which of the following best explains the faster melting on the aluminum surface in terms of particle interactions?
(a) Because aluminum has a much lower specific heat capacity than plastic, it can transfer the same amount of energy to the ice while its own temperature drops only slightly, so the ice melts faster.
(b) Closely packed aluminum atoms (and free electrons) collide frequently with the slower-moving water molecules in the ice, rapidly transferring kinetic energy to the ice.
(c) Aluminum’s shiny metallic surface reflects infrared radiation back into the ice, adding energy that speeds its melting compared with the non-reflective plastic.
(d) Aluminum contains more internal energy because of its greater density, so it provides extra heat to the ice without appreciably cooling itself.