Question detail
Which of the following materials is likely to have the highest thermal conductivity?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Conservation and dissipation of energy
Question
- A. Wood
- B. Glass
- C. Copper
- D. Plastic
Answer
Copper
Explanation
Copper is a metal known for its high thermal conductivity, making it an excellent conductor of heat compared to the other materials listed.
Common mistake
Misinterpreting ‘wasted energy’ as any energy loss
Students often think that any energy loss in a system, such as heat lost to the surroundings, is ‘wasted energy’, even when it is a useful form of energy transfer (e.g., heat used to warm a room).
Explain that ‘wasted energy’ refers specifically to energy transferred in a way that does not contribute to the intended useful work of the system, such as frictional heat in a machine or heat lost through poor insulation when the goal is to maintain temperature. Clarify that useful energy is that which performs the desired function, while wasted energy is the portion that does not.
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