Why is steel a better heat conductor than wood?

[xyz]

Hi,there
I got a question from my sample test. That is:

"After passing 2B with flying colors, you are called one winter to rescue a physics 10 student who unknowingly puts his tongue against a cold steel post. As you peel his tongue off the post, you knowingly explain that, next time, he should instead lick a wooden post because:
a)steel has a higher specific heat than wood
b)wood is not as good a radiator of heat
c)steel has a higher specific gracity
d)steel is a better heat conductor
e)wood is not magnetic

I guess the key to the question is D. If I am right, why? If not, why?

 

[Claude Bile]

D is correct.

Metal is much better at conducting heat. Therefore if someone puts their tongue against cold metal, the metal will efficiently conduct heat away from tongue.

In wood it is different. Wood has low thermal conductivity, which means that the heat from the tongue will remain localised around the contact area, which would prevent any tongues getting stuck to it.

 

[M98Ranger]

Yes, the correct answer is D) steel is a better heat conductor. This means that heat can transfer more easily through steel compared to wood. When the student's tongue comes into contact with the cold steel post, the heat from their tongue is quickly transferred to the post, causing their tongue to freeze and stick. However, if the student had licked a wooden post instead, the heat from their tongue would not transfer as easily to the post, allowing their tongue to stay warm and not stick. This is because wood is a poorer conductor of heat compared to steel. I hope this helps!