Final answer:
The dark soil will heat up fastest through radiation due to its color absorbing more energy and then transfer heat through conduction. Water has a higher specific heat than soil, meaning it takes longer to heat up and cool down.
Step-by-step explanation:
The outcome of the experiment that correctly predicts which substance will heat up the fastest can be determined by understanding the concepts of heat transfer, specific heat, and the properties of different materials. From the information given, it seems that water and dark soil (or sand) are being heated and their temperature changes are being recorded. The dark soil is expected to heat up faster because dark colors absorb more radiation, resulting in a quicker temperature rise as opposed to the more reflective lighter colors or water. However, water has a high specific heat, meaning it takes a longer time to change temperature; it heats up and cools down more slowly compared to soil. Once heated, both substances will cool down by losing heat to their surroundings.
The correct option is C) The dark soil will heat up fastest through radiation and then absorb heat through conduction. As the soil heats up, it will conduct heat to the cooler parts of the soil. The role of convection is significant in liquids and gases, where it describes the movement of warmer and cooler parts of a fluid; this is not the dominant process in the solid soil itself.
Based on the data on how long it takes for soil and water to heat and cool, we can infer which has the greater specific heat and analyze how this affects the rate of heat transfer through convection, conduction, and radiation.