- #1
p.tryon
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What exactly is the wind chill factor? Do conventional mercury thermometers measure the wind chill factor?
Wind Chill Factor: Definition, Measurement & Impact
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In summary, The wind chill factor is a measurement of how cold it feels outside due to the combination of temperature and wind speed. This only applies to humans because their skin is moist and they generate heat, making them more susceptible to the effects of wind. Different wind chill scales have their own flaws, but the concept remains the same.
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mgb_phys
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No the wind chill only applies to people - you have to calculate the wind chill from the temperature and wind speed.
There are a few different scales (Navy, US, Canadian etc) http://www.msc.ec.gc.ca/education/windchill/science_equations_e.cfm
There are a few different scales (Navy, US, Canadian etc) http://www.msc.ec.gc.ca/education/windchill/science_equations_e.cfm
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- #3
Danger
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Thanks for that link, Mgb. I've had a bit of trouble adjusting to the new standard. It sounds so much warmer these days, while I remember it hitting 75° below F. when I was a kid. Now it's like -50 C. and feels the same. Even accounting for the conversion between F & C, the numbers are considerably different.
- #4
p.tryon
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Hello
Thank you for your replies. In what ways is a human different to a thermometer, that would mean the former are subseptible to the wind chill factor while the latter are not?
Thanks
Thank you for your replies. In what ways is a human different to a thermometer, that would mean the former are subseptible to the wind chill factor while the latter are not?
Thanks
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gmax137
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The human differs from a thermometer because (1) the human skin is moist, and in the presence of wind, this leads to evaporative cooling, and (2) the human body generates heat, so there is a heat flux from the body surface to the ambient environment. You can "feel" the effect of wind, the idea is that when the wind blows, it "feels" to you like the air is colder. The various wind chill scales (in my opinion) all have their own problems.
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tiny-tim
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p.tryon said:
Hello p.tryon!
A thermometer is the same temperature as what it is measuring, but a human is usually warmer.
(So a human can be insulated by a surrounding layer of air, which the wind can make thinner.)
FAQ: Wind Chill Factor: Definition, Measurement & Impact
What is wind chill factor?
Wind chill factor is a measurement of how cold it feels outside when the wind is blowing. It takes into account both the temperature and the wind speed to determine the perceived temperature.
How is wind chill factor calculated?
Wind chill factor is calculated using a mathematical formula that takes into account the air temperature and the wind speed. The formula is based on how quickly heat is lost from the human body when exposed to cold and windy conditions.
How is wind chill factor measured?
Wind chill factor is measured using an instrument called a wind chill index, which combines temperature and wind speed readings to calculate the perceived temperature. This index is often included in weather reports and can also be calculated using online calculators.
What is the impact of wind chill factor on the human body?
Wind chill factor can significantly affect our bodies by causing rapid heat loss, leading to hypothermia and frostbite. It can also make it difficult for our bodies to maintain a stable internal temperature, causing discomfort and increasing our risk of cold-related illnesses.
How can we protect ourselves from the effects of wind chill factor?
To protect ourselves from the effects of wind chill factor, it is important to dress appropriately for the weather by wearing layers, covering exposed skin, and avoiding prolonged exposure to cold and windy conditions. It is also important to stay hydrated and seek shelter if necessary.