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Biologik
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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.Biologik said:Does it have to do with the electrons spinning at higher orbitals and emitting Infared radiation?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.