Additional SEE Practice — Q2. Of two ice cubes of identical shape, one is kept in an aluminum box and the other in a wooden box. Which ice cube melts faster? Explain in terms of the melting process.

Question

Accepted Answer

The ice cube in the aluminum box will melt faster. Aluminum is a good conductor of heat, so it quickly transfers heat from the warmer surroundings into the ice, speeding up melting. Wood is a poor conductor of heat (a good insulator), so it transfers heat into the ice much more slowly, keeping the ice cube in the wooden box colder for longer and delaying its melting.