- #1
maximus
- 495
- 4
this one is simple: is the wind chill factor an actual factor or is it only perceived by humans?
Wind Chill Factor: Real or Perceived?
- Thread starter maximus
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Discussion Overview
The discussion centers on the nature of the wind chill factor, questioning whether it is a real physical phenomenon or merely a perception experienced by humans. Participants explore its implications for both living beings and inanimate objects, as well as its relevance in practical scenarios such as car temperature readings.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Conceptual clarification
- Technical explanation
Main Points Raised
- Some participants argue that wind chill affects the rate of heat loss in warm objects, using the example of glasses of water at different temperatures to illustrate this point.
- Others suggest that wind chill is a perceived phenomenon, noting that while it affects cooling, it does not change the actual temperature of the air.
- One participant compares the wind chill effect to the cooling of a computer processor, implying that the effect is not limited to humans.
- There is a discussion about how cars can accurately read outside temperatures while in motion, with suggestions that the thermometer may be shielded from direct wind exposure.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on whether wind chill is a real factor or a perception, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.
Contextual Notes
Some claims rely on specific conditions, such as the placement of thermometers in cars and the effects of wind on heat loss, which may not be universally applicable.
- #2
HallsofIvy
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What do you mean by a "real factor"?
- #3
kyle_soule
- 238
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It's the same factor that happens when you blow on soup, the air movement increases the loss of heat, hence, it cools faster.
For an inanimate object, windchill has an effect if the object is warm. For example, say that you fill two glasses with the same amount of 100-degree water. You put one glass in your refrigerator, which is at 35 degrees, and one outside, where it is 35 degrees and the wind is blowing at 25 mph (so the windchill makes it feel like 8 degrees). The glass outside will get cold quicker than the glass in the refrigerator because of the wind. However, the glass outside will not get colder than 35 degrees -- the air is 35 degrees whether it is moving or not. That is why the thermometer reads 35 degrees even though it feels like 8 degrees.
For an inanimate object, windchill has an effect if the object is warm. For example, say that you fill two glasses with the same amount of 100-degree water. You put one glass in your refrigerator, which is at 35 degrees, and one outside, where it is 35 degrees and the wind is blowing at 25 mph (so the windchill makes it feel like 8 degrees). The glass outside will get cold quicker than the glass in the refrigerator because of the wind. However, the glass outside will not get colder than 35 degrees -- the air is 35 degrees whether it is moving or not. That is why the thermometer reads 35 degrees even though it feels like 8 degrees.
- #4
Alexander
It is perceived not only humans. Try to chill your processor without wind (fan) - what happens then?
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- #5
kyle_soule
- 238
- 1
Water cooling is very efficient.
- #6
Alexander
Yes. For human too.
- #7
drag
Science Advisor
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Oh yeah... try it...
- #8
maximus
- 495
- 4
look, i was just wondering how my car can give an accurate reading of the outside temperature while in motion
- #9
damgo
The thermometer is probably in a compartment or part of the car that doesn't feel much wind. You could mostly enclose it, but leave enough ventilation opening to the rear so that the air inside the compartment would stay the same temp as the outside but not feel much wind.
- #10
kyle_soule
- 238
- 1
Hey, who's topic is this anyways!
The engine sensory on many cars is on the right side of the engine, top right corner of radiator.
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