Block A, which experiences the smallest temperature rise of 3 degrees Celsius when the same quantity of thermal energy is applied, has the highest heat capacity. The correct answer is option A.
The question regarding the block with the highest heat capacity, despite receiving an equal amount of thermal energy with different temperature rises, can be resolved by understanding the concept of heat capacity. Heat capacity is essentially the measure of how much heat is needed to increase the temperature of an object by one degree Celsius. In this scenario, where all blocks receive an identical amount of thermal energy, the block exhibiting the smallest temperature rise will inherently possess the highest heat capacity.
This is due to its ability to absorb more heat per degree Celsius change in temperature. In the given context, block A, experiencing a temperature rise of only 3 degrees Celsius, emerges as the block with the highest heat capacity, as it requires the least amount of thermal energy to achieve the specified temperature increase.
Therefore, option A is correct.