Final answer:
The question is about an exterior wall construction utilizing 3 1/2" thick expanded polystyrene foam insulation and its properties in providing thermal insulation. Polystyrene's low thermal conductivity and the high R-value of such insulation setup are key to reducing heat transfer through the wall.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to an exterior wall construction using insulation materials, focusing particularly on a wall that includes 3 1/2" thick expanded polystyrene foam insulation sandwiched between sheets of plywood or oriented-strand board. This type of wall setup aims to provide high thermal insulation using materials with low thermal conductivity. Polystyrene, a polymer discovered in 1839, is known for its insulating properties, especially in its expanded form, widely used in building construction for efficient thermal insulation.
The physical setup described in the question is an example of building engineering where materials like polystyrene foam and fiberglass are used for their high R-values to reduce heat transfer through conduction. The R-value, which represents the thermal resistance, is critical in evaluating the performance of insulation materials. In the construction industry, especially in the design of energy-efficient buildings in colder climates, using materials with high R-values like polystyrene foam and fiberglass batts is essential to minimize energy loss.