Thermal Radiation of a steel ball

In summary, the reason why a steel ball may feel hotter than a charcoal piece at the same temperature when picked up by bare hands is due to the higher thermal conductivity of metals. This allows the metal to transfer heat more effectively to your hand, resulting in a faster warming sensation. This phenomenon is not related to thermal radiation and is instead due to the dominant heat transfer process of conduction.
  • #1
Samujawal
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Why does a steel ball appear hotter than a charcoal piece at the same temperature when picked up by bare hands?
 
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  • #2
That has nothing to do with the thermal radiatiuon.
Metals are actually worse at radiating heat.
As long as you can touch objects, without burning yourself, conduction is the dominant heat transfer process.
The metal just has a higher thermal conductivity so it "deposits" more heat into your hand in a given amount of time.
That is why it feels hotter.
Your skin gets warmed faster.
 
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Likes Delta2 and Samujawal
  • #3
Tazerfish said:
That has nothing to do with the thermal radiatiuon.
Metals are actually worse at radiating heat.
As long as you can touch objects, without burning yourself, conduction is the dominant heat transfer process.
The metal just has a higher thermal conductivity so it "deposits" more heat into your hand in a given amount of time.
That is why it feels hotter.
Your skin gets warmed faster.
Many many Thanks...
 

Related to Thermal Radiation of a steel ball

1. What is thermal radiation?

Thermal radiation is the emission of electromagnetic waves from a hot object. These waves carry energy and can transfer heat to other objects they come in contact with.

2. How does thermal radiation affect a steel ball?

As a steel ball heats up, it emits thermal radiation in the form of infrared waves. These waves transfer heat to the surrounding environment, causing the ball to cool down.

3. What factors affect the thermal radiation of a steel ball?

The thermal radiation of a steel ball is affected by its temperature, surface area, and the properties of its surroundings, such as the temperature and reflectivity of nearby objects.

4. How is thermal radiation measured?

Thermal radiation is measured using a device called a pyrometer, which detects and measures the amount of infrared radiation emitted from an object.

5. Can thermal radiation be harmful?

In large amounts, thermal radiation can be harmful to living organisms. However, steel balls typically emit low levels of thermal radiation and are not considered harmful.

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