Question

a class has a design challenge to make insulated containers. each group of students are to follow these instructions:

1. the container should keep water hot for as long as possible.
2. each container will be tested with water that starts at a temperature of 95°c.
3. the temperature of the water will be monitored with a classroom thermometer.
4. water temperature will be measured when the water is poured into the container and again 10 minutes later.
5. the change in temperature will be calculated and should be less than 20°c.
6. the total cost of materials must be less than $5.00
7. the container should be able to hold 500ml of water.

each group of students recorded their data in the table.
according to the data collected by each group, which statement below best describes the main objective of each container?
the container will minimize the rate at which thermal energy is transferred from the water to the surroundings of the container.
the container will minimize the rate at which thermal energy is transferred from the surroundings of the container to the water.
the container will maximize the rate at which thermal energy is transferred from the water to the surroundings of the container
the container will maximize the rate at which thermal energy is transferred from the surroundings of the container to the water

Explanation:

The goal is to keep water hot for as long as possible. Heat (thermal energy) flows from hot to cold. So, we want to minimize the transfer of thermal energy from the hot water (inside the container) to the cooler surroundings. This is what insulation does - it reduces the rate of heat transfer from the warm substance (here, water) to the cooler environment.

Answer:

The container will minimize the rate at which thermal energy is transferred from the water to the surroundings of the container.