Chapter 5: Problem 18

A coin and a piece of glass are both heated to \(60^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\). Which will feel warmer when you touch it?

Short Answer

Expert verified

Answer: The coin will likely feel warmer when touched compared to the piece of glass, due to its higher thermal conductivity.

Step by step solution

Define thermal conductivity

Thermal conductivity is a property of a material that measures its ability to conduct heat. In this context, the object that has higher thermal conductivity will feel warmer when touching it, as it can transfer heat more efficiently to the hand.

Compare thermal conductivity values for given materials

In general, metals have higher thermal conductivity than non-metals; therefore, the coin (assuming it's made of metal) has higher thermal conductivity than the glass. We need to compare the thermal conductivity values for the two materials to confirm our assumption.

Check the comparative sensation

We can expect the object with higher thermal conductivity to feel warmer when touching it. Since the coin is made of metal and metals generally have higher thermal conductivity than non-metals like glass, the coin will likely feel warmer when touched.

Conclusion

Based on the comparison of thermal conductivity values, the coin will likely feel warmer when touched compared to the piece of glass, even though both have been heated to the same temperature of \(60^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\).

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A coin and a piece of glass are both heated to \(60^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\). Which will feel warmer when you touch it?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Define thermal conductivity

Compare thermal conductivity values for given materials

Check the comparative sensation

Conclusion

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