Why does metal feel colder than wood?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking why metal, when touched, feels colder compared to wood despite being at the same temperature. This typically relates to thermal conductivity and how different materials transfer heat from our skin.
Answer
Metal feels colder than wood due to its higher thermal conductivity.
Metal feels colder than wood because metal has a higher thermal conductivity than wood, allowing it to transfer heat away from your skin more quickly.
Answer for screen readers
Metal feels colder than wood because metal has a higher thermal conductivity than wood, allowing it to transfer heat away from your skin more quickly.
More Information
Metals have higher thermal conductivity, meaning they can transfer heat more efficiently than wood. When you touch metal, it quickly conducts the heat away from your skin, making it feel colder.
Tips
A common mistake is thinking that metals are inherently colder than wood. Both materials could be at the same temperature, but metal feels colder because it conducts heat away from your body more quickly.
