What is the largest size and configuration of ducts required to dissipate an even amount of heat?

The correct answer is based on the principle of heat dissipation, which states that the more ducts are used and the larger their configuration, the more effective the heat distribution will be. In this case, a configuration of 9 ducts in a 3 by 3 arrangement allows for an optimal balance of surface area and airflow.

This configuration provides a substantial number of ducts to evenly distribute heat, ensuring that no single area is overloaded or underloaded with heat. This is critical when designing systems that require efficient heat management, especially in applications where maintaining an even temperature is essential.

The other options, while they provide various configurations, either do not maximize the number of ducts as efficiently or do not utilize the space in a way that optimally addresses the need for effective heat dissipation. Specifically, a 3 by 3 configuration with 9 ducts efficiently utilizes both size and number to create an ideal setting for evenly managing heat, which is why it stands out as the most effective choice.