Naked Science Forum

General Science => General Science => Topic started by: kdlynn on 07/07/2007 19:14:46

Title: sunshine, metal, and heat...
Post by: kdlynn on 07/07/2007 19:14:46

i'm outside in the sun. my keys, which are sitting right next to me, are very very hot. my necklace, which is very thick metal (think knock off tiffany necklace) and just as exposed to the sun is not burning me. anyone know how that's possible?

Title: sunshine, metal, and heat...
Post by: JimBob on 07/07/2007 19:31:32

I have a feeling that your body can get rid of more heat than the seat your keys are on can dissipate. As you perspire, your body cools. Anything touching you birthday bod must keep adding heat to get the metal hotter than your body temperature. On the other hand, the stuff the keys are on can't cool itself, the keys just sit there and get hotter and hotter. Not very eligantly put, but I think you can get the drift of it.

Title: sunshine, metal, and heat...
Post by: Karen W. on 09/07/2007 07:48:28

That is interesting.. I would not have thought about that like that!