Why does something like carpet feel warmer than tile even when they’re the same temperature?

Question

Why does something like carpet feel warmer than tile even when they’re the same temperature?

In: Physics

Answer 1

Skin isn’t a good thermometer. It doesn’t read temperature. But skin is great at detecting heat transfer, which is the flow of energy.

What you perceive as cold metal is energy flowing out. What you perceive as a burning hot stove is energy flowing in. Different materials transfer energy at different rates. Metals let energy flow quickly. Carpet doesn’t. This is what you’re feeling.