Question

which best explains why metal cooking utensils often have plastic coating on their handles? plastic melts less easily and lasts longer than metal. plastic reduces the transfer of thermal energy to hands holding the utensils. plastic molds more easily into shapes like long, thin handles. plastic increases the rate of conduction from the utensil to the food.

Explanation:

Plastic is an insulator of heat. When metal cooking utensils are used, the metal part (which is a good conductor of heat) gets hot. The plastic coating on the handles acts as a barrier. It reduces the transfer of thermal energy (heat) from the hot metal part of the utensil to the hands holding the utensil.

• Option 1: Plastic generally has a lower melting point than most metals. So, the statement “Plastic melts less easily and lasts longer than metal” is incorrect.
• Option 3: While plastic can be molded, the key reason for using it on utensil handles is related to heat transfer (insulation), not just moldability.
• Option 4: Plastic is an insulator. It would decrease (not increase) the rate of conduction (heat transfer). But the relevant aspect here is protecting the hand from heat, not the utensil - to - food conduction (also, utensils are in contact with food for cooking, and we want heat transfer from utensil to food for cooking, but the handle's function is different).

Answer:

Plastic reduces the transfer of thermal energy to hands holding the utensils.