Question

Outdoor decay of objects is a chemical reaction. Some ancient objects have been preserved extremely well in Arctic conditions. As glaciers have melted, archaeologists have discovered 4,000-year-old Viking clothing. Clarissa left her wool sweater outside at her family's summer cottage in Florida. When she returned the following summer, the sweater was shreds.

Based on the data in the table, what can you conclude about the rate at which clothing decays in cold temperatures compared with the rate at which clothing decays in warm temperatures?

Answer 1

Clothing decays at a slower rate in cold temperatures compared to warm temperatures due to the effects of temperature on chemical reactions and decay-causing organisms.

Step-by-step explanation:

The rate at which clothing decays in cold temperatures is slower than the rate at which clothing decays in warm temperatures. Cold temperatures slow down chemical reactions and reduce the activity of bacteria and fungi that contribute to decay. This is why ancient objects have been preserved well in Arctic conditions, as the low temperatures slow down the decay process. On the other hand, warm temperatures speed up chemical reactions and increase the activity of decay-causing organisms, leading to faster decay, as seen with Clarissa's wool sweater left outside in Florida.