- #1
C. McAlexande
- 1
- 0
I have a heated room beside an unheated garage. If I open a door between the 2 spaces does the heat go out to help warm the unheated garage or does the cold enter the heated space for cooling the heated room?
In summary: But to summarize the conversation, it is incorrect to think of "cold" as a tangible force that can enter a heated space. In reality, it is the heat that is transferring from one space to another, and the warmer air will always move towards the cooler air until they reach the same temperature. In summary, the heat will flow from the heated room to the unheated garage when the door is opened, not the "cold."
- #2
MagnetDave
- 62
- 1
You have a conceptual issue here:
There is no such thing as "cold." This is merely an issue of how your body perceives temperature. Think of it this way:
If I connect a warm room to a less-warm room what happens? Obviously the heat flows from the warmer room to the less-warm room (though a combination of mechanisms) until the two reach the same temperature.
There is no such thing as "cold." This is merely an issue of how your body perceives temperature. Think of it this way:
If I connect a warm room to a less-warm room what happens? Obviously the heat flows from the warmer room to the less-warm room (though a combination of mechanisms) until the two reach the same temperature.
- #3
HallsofIvy
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
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First, of all, while there is a quantity called "heat" (the average kinetic energy of the air) there is no quantity called "cold". "Cold" is simply the absence of "heat". That is, the only thing that could move from one place to another is "heat".
More specifically, the faster moving molecules of air from the warmer room move into the colder moving room faster than the slower moving molecules of air move from the colder room to the warmer. So again, it is the "heat" that is moving.
(This reminds me of the old joke, "Which is faster, heat or cold?"
Answer: "Heat, because it is easy to catch cold!")
More specifically, the faster moving molecules of air from the warmer room move into the colder moving room faster than the slower moving molecules of air move from the colder room to the warmer. So again, it is the "heat" that is moving.
(This reminds me of the old joke, "Which is faster, heat or cold?"
Answer: "Heat, because it is easy to catch cold!")
- #4
Danger
Gold Member
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HallsofIvy said:
Believe it or not, I've never heard that one before.
- #5
sardar
- 2,031
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The answer to this question depends on a few factors, such as the temperature difference between the two spaces and the insulation of the door. In general, heat will always transfer from a warmer space to a cooler space until both spaces reach an equal temperature. So, if the heated room is significantly warmer than the unheated garage, the heat will likely transfer through the door to warm up the garage. However, if the temperature difference is small and the door is well-insulated, the heat loss may be minimal and the cold air from the garage may not have a significant impact on the heated room. It is also important to consider the air flow between the two spaces - if there is a draft or air movement, the heat transfer may be more significant. Overall, the heat transfer will depend on the specific conditions of the two spaces and the door between them.
Related to Between heat & cold which prevails
1. What determines whether heat or cold prevails?
The balance between heat and cold is determined by the temperature, which is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance. When the temperature is higher, heat prevails as the particles have more energy and move faster. When the temperature is lower, cold prevails as the particles have less energy and move slower.
2. Can heat and cold coexist?
Yes, heat and cold can coexist in different parts of a substance or in different substances in the same environment. For example, a cup of coffee may have hot liquid on top and cold liquid at the bottom. This is because heat and cold are relative terms and depend on the temperature of the surrounding environment.
3. Is heat or cold more powerful?
Neither heat nor cold can be considered more powerful as they are both forms of energy. However, heat tends to be more noticeable and can cause more extreme effects such as burns, while cold can cause discomfort and numbness.
4. How do heat and cold affect living organisms?
Heat and cold can have significant impacts on living organisms. Extreme heat can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, while extreme cold can lead to hypothermia and frostbite. Both heat and cold can also affect the growth and survival of plants and animals.
5. Can heat or cold be harmful to the environment?
Yes, both heat and cold can be harmful to the environment. Extreme heat can contribute to global warming and climate change, while extreme cold can damage crops and disrupt ecosystems. Both heat and cold can also affect air and water quality, which can have negative impacts on the environment and living organisms.
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