In the insulation experiment, which result indicates the better insulator?

• A. The small can with the higher temperature over the fixed period
• B. The small can with the lower temperature over the fixed period
• C. The larger can remains cool
• D. Temperature readings are identical for both insulators

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that insulation affects how fast heat is lost. A better insulator slows down heat transfer, so the inside stays hotter for longer during a fixed time period. Seeing the small can end up with a higher temperature means its contents have lost less heat to the surroundings, indicating its insulation is more effective. If the temperature were lower, it would show more heat loss and poorer insulation. If the readings were identical, there would be no difference in insulation performance, and the larger can remaining cool wouldn’t by itself prove better insulation under these conditions.