Why is it that things feel ''hot''?

  • Thread starter Biologik
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In summary, the feeling of "hot" or "cold" is caused by nerves, while infrared radiation (IR) is one of the three forms of heat transfer. Most heat we encounter is conductive, meaning it is kinetic energy in the form of agitated atoms. However, when touching something "hot," the atoms in our body can be permanently altered from the interaction, as seen when burning our hand on a stove. Additionally, radiative heat, such as from a red hot element, should not be overlooked.
  • #1
Biologik
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Does it have to do with the electrons spinning at higher orbitals and emitting Infared radiation?
 
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  • #2
Well it's essentially nerves that are responsible for the feeling of "hot" or "cold".
 
  • #3
Biologik said:
Does it have to do with the electrons spinning at higher orbitals and emitting Infared radiation?
IR is one of the three forms of heat transfer. It's radiative.

Most heat we enocounter when touchung something is conductive - it is simply kinetic energy in the form of agitated atoms bouncing around, i.e. not so much at the electron level.
 
  • #4
Dave is right. When we touch something 'hot' (like a stove) the atoms of the object we are touching have a much higher KE than the atoms in our body. If the KE difference is high enough, the atomic bonds in our body can be permanently altered (destroyed) from the interaction. An example of this is burning your hand on a stove.
 
  • #5
dreiter said:
Dave is right. When we touch something 'hot' (like a stove) the atoms of the object we are touching have a much higher KE than the atoms in our body. If the KE difference is high enough, the atomic bonds in our body can be permanently altered (destroyed) from the interaction. An example of this is burning your hand on a stove.

But don't forget - in particular because of the stove example - about radiative heat. That red hot element is putting out a lot of it.
 

FAQ: Why is it that things feel ''hot''?

What is the scientific explanation for why things feel hot?

The sensation of heat is caused by the activation of specialized nerve endings called thermoreceptors. These receptors are located in the skin and can detect changes in temperature. When they are stimulated by a certain temperature, they send signals to the brain, which interprets the sensation as heat.

Why do different materials feel hotter than others?

Some materials are better at conducting heat than others. This means that they are able to transfer heat more efficiently. For example, metals are good conductors of heat, so they may feel hotter to the touch than non-metallic materials. The type of material and its ability to conduct heat play a role in how hot it feels.

Why does hot water feel hotter than hot air?

Water has a higher thermal conductivity than air, meaning it can transfer heat more easily. This means that when you touch hot water, it transfers heat to your skin more quickly than hot air. Additionally, water has a higher specific heat capacity, meaning it takes more heat to raise its temperature compared to air. This makes hot water feel hotter than hot air.

Can our perception of hotness be influenced by other factors?

Yes, our perception of hotness can be influenced by several factors, such as our previous experiences, cultural norms, and psychological state. For example, someone who lives in a hot climate may have a higher tolerance for heat compared to someone who lives in a colder climate. Additionally, our emotions and stress levels can impact our perception of hotness.

Why do we sometimes feel hot even when the temperature is not high?

Our bodies have internal thermoregulation mechanisms that help maintain a constant body temperature. When the external temperature is lower than our body temperature, we may feel hot as our body tries to cool down. This can happen in cold environments where our body produces heat to maintain its temperature. Additionally, certain medical conditions or medications can cause a sensation of heat even when the external temperature is not high.

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