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This tests understanding of thermal conductivity and temperature perception. Option A is wrong — iron and wood are both at the same room temperature. There is no difference in actual temperature. The difference in sensation comes from rate of heat transfer, not actual temperature. Option B is CORRECT — iron has much higher thermal conductivity (~80 W/m/K) than wood (~0.1-0.2 W/m/K). When you touch cold iron, it rapidly conducts heat AWAY from your warm hand making your hand feel colder quickly. Wood conducts heat away very slowly so hand retains warmth longer. Both at same temperature but iron removes heat from hand much faster. Option C is wrong — wood is a POOR conductor (0.1-0.2 W/m/K) while iron is a GOOD conductor (80 W/m/K). Option D is wrong — specific heat of iron (0.11 cal/g°C) is actually LOWER than many substances. The sensation of cold comes from thermal conductivity (rate of heat flow) not specific heat capacity.
FAQ
Common questions and clear answers for this topic.
Heat is a form of energy that transfers between objects or systems due to a temperature difference, moving from a hotter body to a cooler one until thermal equilibrium is reached.
