Final answer:
Option 4.
Copper and aluminum, metals with high thermal conductivity due to their density of free electrons, heat up quickly. Copper, in particular, is likely the fastest to heat up among the materials listed—treated glass, aluminum, stainless steel, and copper—because of its slightly lower specific heat compared to aluminum.
Step-by-step explanation:
When comparing the rates at which different materials heat up, one must consider their thermal conductivity. Metals, known for their high density of free electrons, are typically good conductors of both thermal and electrical energy. This means that materials like copper, aluminum, and silver are among the best thermal conductors, and as a result, they tend to heat up quickly when energy is applied. In contrast, materials such as wood, rubber, or plastic are poor conductors of heat.
Aluminosilicate glass, while having good thermal resistance and durability, does not conduct heat as quickly as these metals. Stainless steel, an alloy composed mainly of iron, carbon, and chromium, is a poorer conductor of heat compared to copper or aluminum. This is important when considering utensils' handles, which are made from materials with low thermal conductivity to prevent burns.
Based on the high thermal conductivity of metals and the lower conductivity of treated glass and stainless steel, copper or aluminum would heat up the fastest. However, copper typically has a slightly lower specific heat than aluminum, meaning it requires less energy to raise its temperature. Therefore, copper would likely be the material that heats up the fastest among the listed materials.