Explanation:

- The total duration of the afternoon classes is from 2:00 P.M. to 4:52 P.M.

- This means there are 172 minutes in total (4:52 - 2:00 = 2 hours 52 minutes = 172 minutes).

- There are four class periods with 4 minutes of break between each.

- With 3 breaks, the total break time is 4 minutes x 3 = 12 minutes.

- Subtract the break time from the total time: 172 minutes - 12 minutes = 160 minutes.

- Divide 160 minutes by 4 class periods to get the duration of each period: 160/4 = 40 minutes.

- Option 2: 40 minutes is the correct answer.