- #1
daniel_i_l
Gold Member
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If you suddenly put your hand into very hot water it feels cold (or atleast, it's hard to tell if it's hot or cold) for the first second.
Why is this so?
Thanks.
Why is this so?
Thanks.
Hot water can feel cold because of a phenomenon known as paradoxical cold. This is when the skin is exposed to a stimulus, in this case hot water, that is significantly warmer than the surrounding air temperature. This can cause the body to perceive the sensation as cold instead of hot.
Yes, the temperature of the water can greatly affect how it feels on the skin. For example, if the water is just slightly warmer than the body temperature, it can feel cold due to the paradoxical cold sensation. On the other hand, if the water is significantly warmer than the body temperature, it will feel hot.
Yes, it is possible for hot water to feel cold even when the air temperature is warm. This is because the temperature of the water and the air are two separate stimuli that the body perceives differently. The body may interpret the hot water as cold due to the difference in temperature between the two stimuli.
Paradoxical cold can occur with other temperatures as well, not just hot water. For example, if the skin is exposed to a cold stimulus, such as ice, in a warm environment, it can feel hot due to the same paradoxical sensation.
There are a few possible ways to prevent hot water from feeling cold. One option is to gradually adjust the water temperature before exposing your skin to it. This can help the body adjust to the temperature change and prevent the paradoxical cold sensation. Another option is to use a barrier, such as a cloth, between your skin and the hot water to help regulate the temperature. Additionally, practicing mindfulness and focusing on the actual temperature of the water rather than the sensation it creates can help prevent the paradoxical cold effect.