Alcohol's depressing properties on the central nervous system increase with:

The correct answer highlights the relationship between the quantity of alcohol consumed and its effects on the central nervous system. As an individual consumes more alcohol, the intoxicating and depressant effects on the brain and body intensify. This is because alcohol acts primarily as a central nervous system depressant, meaning it slows down brain function and neural activity. The more alcohol that is introduced into the system, the more pronounced these effects become, leading to a greater risk of impairment and potential alcohol-related harm.

The other factors can influence drinking behavior or individual experience but do not have the same direct and predictable relationship with the depressant effects of alcohol. For example, while the time spent drinking can lead to increased consumption, the direct impact is more closely tied to the amount consumed in a given timeframe. Temperature of the beverage and the type of alcoholic beverage also affect taste preferences and rate of consumption but do not inherently change the physiological response to alcohol in the way that quantity does.