A metal hammer has been lying in the sunlight on a hot day. When you pick up the hammer, it feels very warm in your hand. Can you explain the different ways that heat is moving in this situation?

Question

Westie

Chemistry

1 June, 21:57

A metal hammer has been lying in the sunlight on a hot day. When you pick up the hammer, it feels very warm in your hand. Can you explain the different ways that heat is moving in this situation?

+2

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Naima · Answer 1

You feel the heat by conduction. Hot atoms in the metal are vibrating and when you touch the surface the metal atoms bump into your molecules in your skin causing them to heat up and vibrate.

There is also the process of convection and radiation occuring to the hammer but aren't relevant to your hand touching the hammer.