Determine why the ice melted on the aluminium plate faster than on the plastic plate.

The reason why the ice melted faster on the aluminium plate than on the plastic plate is due to the different thermal conductivities of the two materials.

Step 1: Understand the concept of thermal conductivity Thermal conductivity is a measure of a material's ability to conduct heat. A material with a high thermal conductivity transfers heat more efficiently than a material with a low thermal conductivity.

Step 2: Compare the thermal conductivities of aluminium and plastic Aluminium has a much higher thermal conductivity than plastic. This means that it can transfer heat to the ice more efficiently.

Step 3: Understand the process of melting Melting is the process by which a solid (in this case, ice) turns into a liquid (water) when heat is applied. The heat needed for this process comes from the surrounding environment.

Step 4: Apply the concept of thermal conductivity to the melting process When the ice is placed on the aluminium plate, the heat from the surrounding environment is transferred more efficiently to the ice, causing it to melt faster. On the other hand, the plastic plate transfers heat less efficiently, so the ice melts slower.

Therefore, the ice melted faster on the aluminium plate than on the plastic plate because aluminium has a higher thermal conductivity than plastic.