Chapter 14, Problem 23Q

A premature baby in an incubator can be dangerously cooled even when the air temperature in the incubator is warm. Explain

To determine

To Explain:

A premature baby in an incubator can be dangerously cooled even when the air temperature in the incubator is warm.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Premature babies have underdeveloped skin, and they can lose a lot of moisture through their skin due to evaporation.

Air is a poor conductor of heat, and the thermal energy radiated from the incubator might not reach the baby. This might cause the temperature of the baby to be dangerously low. The surface of the incubator must be warmed so that the surface radiates sufficient heat back to the baby.

Conclusion:

Air is a poor conductor of thermal energy, and the thermal energy radiated from the incubator might not reach the baby.