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

I think it has to do with thermal conductivity. The same way a piece of metal feels colder than a piece of wood at the same temperature. Metal (for the most part) is a conductor and it is better at absorbing the heat from your body and thus feels colder (the metal and your skin are essentially trying to equalize temperatures when touching).

Wood, on the other hand, is a good insulator and resists the heat transfer between itself and your skin so it doesn’t feel as cold.

Hopefully people better informed in the ins and outs of thermal dynamics can chime in there and correct any misinformation in my not real educated explanation.