Final answer:
To create a baking dish that bakes batter quickly, aluminum is the ideal material due to its high thermal conductivity, affordability, lightweight nature, and efficient heat distribution.
Step-by-step explanation:
As a scientist employed by a manufacturer of cookware aiming to design a baking dish that bakes batter the fastest, the type of compound used must have excellent thermal conductivity to ensure quick and even heat distribution. Metals like aluminum, copper, and stainless steel (iron) are common materials for such purposes due to their high thermal conductivity. However, if cost and efficiency are primary concerns, aluminum stands out as an ideal candidate. Aluminum is not only lightweight and affordable but also heats up quickly and distributes heat evenly, providing optimal conditions for a baking dish designed to bake batter swiftly.
Copper also offers excellent thermal conductivity but at a higher cost, making it less ideal for situations where budget considerations are a priority. While glass is an option due to its uniform heating capabilities, it usually takes longer to heat up compared to metals, which might not be suitable for the fastest baking. Therefore, selecting aluminum for a baking dish combines cost-effectiveness with high performance in terms of rapid and uniform heat transfer.