What does temperature actually mean?

489 viewsOtherPlanetary Science

Dont know if I asked the question right but here goes…. There are times where the temperature is 75F and it’s cloudy and feels cool. There are other times where it’s 75F and sunny and I’m sweating outside. Obviously the sun right? But the temperature is the same? Does the sun not affect the temperature all the time. Also I’ve been in 50 degrees in a humid climate and it feels a lot colder than 30 in a dry climate. I always thought temperature was hot or cold but I feel like sometimes there’s more to it than that. Also I’m well aware of humidity and heat and also wind chill. I’m not referring to those things

In: Planetary Science

8 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

Temperature is how fast the molecules in an object are moving.

Your skin is not a thermometer, though, at least not a good one. When you touch something and it feels hot or cold, you are actually feeling the *flow* of heat. 

Say you have a piece of iron at 75°F and a piece of wool at 75°F. The iron will *feel* much colder than the wool because iron is conductive and heat from your body is quicky flowing into the iron.

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