Why does wood feel less hot than metal in the sun?

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    Heat Reflection
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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the thermal properties of wood and metal when exposed to sunlight, specifically addressing why wood feels cooler than metal despite potentially absorbing more heat. The scope includes conceptual understanding of heat absorption, reflection, and transfer rates.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that wood absorbs more heat than shiny metal but feels cooler to the touch.
  • Another participant raises the point that the material reflecting more light will emit less heat through radiation.
  • A third participant introduces the concept of heat transfer rate, stating that metal has a higher heat transfer coefficient, which may contribute to its perceived temperature.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple viewpoints regarding the thermal properties of wood and metal, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved with competing explanations.

Contextual Notes

Assumptions about specific heat capacity and heat transfer coefficients are mentioned, but the discussion does not clarify how these factors quantitatively compare between the two materials.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in thermodynamics, material science, or those curious about everyday thermal sensations may find this discussion relevant.

Moose352
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A piece of wood lying in the sun absorbs more heat than a piece of shiny metal. Yet the wood fells less hot than the metal when you pick it up. Why?
 
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Which reflects more light? The same one will emit less heat through radiation.

Also, assuming the masses are the same, one of them has a lower specific heat capacity; that is, some things require more heat energy per kilogram in order to be at a certain temperature.
 
You feel heat based on heat transfer rate - metal has a higher heat transfer coefficient.
 
That's what I thought. Thanks.
 

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