Final answer:
Copper and aluminum are used for solar collector plates due to their high thermal conductivity. Steel, despite being strong, has lower thermal conductivity, making it less effective for this purpose. Thermal properties guide material selection for applications like cooking utensils or solar collectors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Copper and aluminum are commonly used materials for solar collector plates because of their high thermal conductivity. This means they can conduct thermal energy efficiently, which is crucial for the effectiveness of solar collectors. These materials are also good electrical conductors, which is a related property stemming from their dense population of free electrons. This characteristic enables them to transport thermal energy effectively.
Steel, while strong and durable, does not have as high thermal conductivity as copper or aluminum, making it a less suitable material for a solar collector plate for this specific application. However, steel's strength and durability might still make it useful in other components of solar panels where these properties are more important.
When designing materials such as cooking utensils or solar panels, the choice of material is often governed by the thermal properties. The application determines whether the primary requirement is for good thermal conduction, as with cooking utensils or solar collectors, or insulation, as with utensil handles.