Which factors are most easily discernible to a crematory operator when determining the sequence of cases for the day?

The most easily discernible factors for a crematory operator when determining the sequence of cremation cases are the amount of body fat and the type of container used for the body. This choice is correct because both body fat and container type directly affect the cremation process in measurable ways.

Body fat can influence the rate at which a body burns. A higher body fat content can result in a quicker cremation because fat is combustible, while lower body fat may take longer due to less combustible material. Similarly, the type of container, whether it is made of a combustible material like wood or a non-combustible one like metal, impacts how the cremation is conducted. Different materials burn at different rates and can affect the time required for complete cremation.

In contrast, factors such as the type of cremation service and family preferences, the time of death and age of the deceased, or even weather conditions and the crematory workload may be less intuitive in determining the operational sequence for cremation. These factors can play a role in logistics and scheduling, but they are not as directly observable or quantifiable in terms of their immediate implications for the cremation process itself. Hence, they do not serve as primary indicators for the sequencing of cremation cases on