Chapter U5.3, Problem 7E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Whether humans can reach thermal equilibrium with the surrounding air or not needs to be explained.

Concept Introduction :

When two substances are in physical contact with each other but no exchange of heat energy takes place, it is known as thermal equilibrium.

Answer to Problem 7E

No, the body keeps its temperature regardless of the surrounding temperature.

Explanation of Solution

It is known that the temperature is used to measure the coldness and hotness of a body. Two main concepts which impacts the temperature are thermal equilibrium and thermal contact. Two substances are said to be in termal contact if that might affect temperature of each other. Two substances are in thermal equilibrium when they are in thermal contact but the there is no change in the temperture.

For example, if a milk cartoon from a refrigerator is kept on the countertop of kitchen, then these two substances are said to be in thermal contact. After some hours they will contain the same temperature then they are said to be in thermal equilibrium

If the human body is properly working then heat is produced from the body. In this scenario, body keeps its temperature regardless of temperature of surrounding. Thus, the human body never reaches to thermal equilibrium with the surrounding. Still skin’s outer body is always at same temperature as surrounding.