To determine which metal the chemist has, we need to consider the following key pieces of information provided:
1. The metal is one of the best conductors from the table, so we need to look at the electrical conductivity ranking.
2. When heated to \(1000^{\circ} \text{C}\), the metal did not melt. Therefore, its melting point must be higher than \(1000^{\circ} \text{C}\).
Now, we will analyze the metals listed in the table:
1. Aluminum
- Melting Point: \(660^{\circ} \text{C}\)
- Electrical Conductivity Ranking: 3
- Analysis: Aluminum has a melting point below \(1000^{\circ} \text{C}\), so it would have melted. This cannot be the metal.
2. Copper
- Melting Point: \(1085^{\circ} \text{C}\)
- Electrical Conductivity Ranking: 2
- Analysis: Copper has a melting point above \(1000^{\circ} \text{C}\) and a good conductivity ranking (2). This fits the criteria.
3. Zinc
- Melting Point: \(420^{\circ} \text{C}\)
- Electrical Conductivity Ranking: 4
- Analysis: Zinc has a melting point well below \(1000^{\circ} \text{C}\), so it would have melted. This cannot be the metal.
4. Silver
- Melting Point: \(962^{\circ} \text{C}\)
- Electrical Conductivity Ranking: 1
- Analysis: Silver has the best conductivity ranking (1), but its melting point is below \(1000^{\circ} \text{C}\). Thus, it would have melted. This cannot be the metal.
5. Nickel
- Melting Point: \(1455^{\circ} \text{C}\)
- Electrical Conductivity Ranking: 5
- Analysis: Nickel has a melting point above \(1000^{\circ} \text{C}\), but its conductivity ranking (5) is not among the best. This cannot be the metal.
From this analysis, the only metal that meets the criteria of having one of the best conductivity rankings and not melting at \(1000^{\circ} \text{C}\) is copper.
Therefore, the correct answer is:
B. copper
