Thermometer touching the floor and a carpet

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the thermal interaction between two thermometers, one in contact with the floor and the other with a wool carpet. Participants explore how different materials affect temperature readings and heat transfer.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants question whether a thermometer can accurately reflect the temperature of an insulating material like a ceramic brick. There is discussion about the nature of heat transfer and the impact of material properties on temperature perception.

Discussion Status

The conversation includes various perspectives on heat transfer, with some participants suggesting that while thermometers will eventually show the temperature of the object they are in contact with, the rate of heat transfer may vary based on the material. There is also exploration of how human perception of temperature differs from that of a thermometer.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering the implications of thermal conductivity and insulation, as well as the potential for delayed temperature readings when using thermometers with different materials. The discussion reflects a lack of consensus on the immediate effects of touching hot materials.

Karol
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Homework Statement


A thermometer touches the floor and the other touches a wool carpet lying on the floor. what will the two thermometers show, the same or different temperatures

Homework Equations


Two materials touching each other the heat moves from the warm to the cold one

The Attempt at a Solution


I heard that the thermometer won't feel the heat if it doesn't pass to it. so, is it true that if i touch a warm isolating material like a ceramic brick with a thermometer it won't show the real temperature?
 
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Is it true that a ceramic brick completely blocks all transfer of heat?
 
no, of course not, only vacuum blocks heat transfer by conduction, but i might feel the brick colder than it really is, if i touch it by hand or apply a thermometer to it
 
Karol said:
no, of course not, only vacuum blocks heat transfer by conduction,
So suppose you put a thermometer, initially at 20C, on a ceramic tile at 30C and wait. What will happen?
 
well, with time the thermometer will show 30C
 
Karol said:
well, with time the thermometer will show 30C
Exactly. The thermometer will still show the temperature of the object eventually, but if the object is made of an insulating material there may be some delay. Does this answer your original question?
 
well, maybe it answers. but if i touch a very hot ceramic brick, will i feel it's real temperature, will i be burned or not? because the heat transfer is slow.
 
Karol said:
well, maybe it answers. but if i touch a very hot ceramic brick, will i feel it's real temperature, will i be burned or not? because the heat transfer is slow.
This is a bit different because you have a lot more thermal capacity than a thermometer has. Instantaneously it should feel pretty hot, but then the region close to you finger cools a bit because of the heat lost to you, and the heat you absorbed is carried away by your bloodstream. So the heat keeps flowing into you from the brick, but you get rid of it fast enough that your finger stays relatively cool.
This is why people can walk on hot coals.
 
Thanks
 

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