Anya recorded the temperatures of four different smooth materials after they were placed under a heat lamp for thirty minutes.
| Material | Temperature (${ }^{\circ} F$) |
| -------- | ----------------------------- |
| 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)
Higher temperature indicates greater heat absorption and lower reflectivity.
Compare the temperatures of the materials to evaluate each conclusion.
Material W (87°F) is less absorbent than Material Z (105°F), which is supported by the data.
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 objective is to determine which conclusion about the materials' absorption and reflection properties is best supported by the temperature data. The key idea is that materials with higher temperatures are more absorbent and less reflective, while materials with lower temperatures are less absorbent and more reflective.
Analyzing Each Conclusion Let's analyze each conclusion:
Material W is less absorbent than material Z.
Material W has a temperature of 87°F.
Material Z has a temperature of 105°F.
Since Z has a higher temperature, it is more absorbent than W. Thus, W is less absorbent than Z. This conclusion is supported by the data.
Material Y is the least reflective.
The least reflective material should have the highest temperature.
Material Y has a temperature of 75°F, which is the lowest temperature.
Therefore, this conclusion is incorrect.
Material X is more reflective than material W.
The more reflective material should have the lower temperature.
Material X has a temperature of 99°F.
Material W has a temperature of 87°F.
Since X has a higher temperature, it is less reflective than W. Thus, this conclusion is incorrect.
Material Z is the least absorbent.
The least absorbent material should have the lowest temperature.
Material Z has a temperature of 105°F, which is the highest temperature.
Therefore, this conclusion is incorrect.
Determining the Best Supported Conclusion Based on the analysis, the conclusion that is best supported by the information in the chart is: Material W is less absorbent than material Z.
Examples
Understanding heat absorption and reflection is crucial in many real-world applications. For example, choosing the right color for your clothing on a sunny day can significantly impact your comfort. Darker colors absorb more sunlight and thus more heat, making you feel hotter. Lighter colors reflect more sunlight, keeping you cooler. Similarly, architects use materials with specific absorption and reflection properties to design energy-efficient buildings, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling.
The conclusion best supported by the data is that Material W is less absorbent than Material Z, as W has a lower temperature (87°F) compared to Z (105°F). Higher temperatures indicate greater heat absorption. Therefore, with Material Z being at the highest temperature, it is more absorbent than Material W.
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