Question

Several days after the end of a snowstorm, the roof of one house is still completely covered with snow, and another house's roof has no snow cover. Which house is most likely better insulated?

Short answer

Explain your reasoning. Answer: The house with snow still on its roof is likely better insulated. This is because less heat has escaped through the roof, and the snow has not melted as rapidly as it did on the other house's roof. Better insulation reduces heat loss, and consequently, there is not enough heat escaping to melt the snow on the roof.

Step-by-step solution

Identify how insulation affects heat transfer

Insulation helps in reducing the rate of heat loss in a house. A better-insulated house will have less heat escaping through its roof.

Relate insulation to snow melting

Snow on a roof will melt if there is enough heat escaping from the house through the roof. The heat that escapes the house will warm up the snow, causing it to melt eventually.

Compare both houses' insulation effects on snow cover

Since both houses experienced the same snowstorm, different snow covers indicate varying rates of heat transfer through the roofs. The house with snow still on its roof likely has better insulation because less heat has escaped to melt the snow. On the other hand, the house with no snow on its roof may have experienced more heat loss through its roof, causing the snow to melt faster.

Determine which house is better insulated

Based on the information provided, we can conclude that the house with snow still on its roof is most likely better insulated. This is because less heat has escaped through the roof, and the snow has not melted as rapidly as it did on the other house's roof.