Chapter 20, Problem 86A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

give reason why aluminum chair feels hotter than wooden bench in sunlight.

Concept introduction:

Metals are generally good conductors of heat while non metals are heat insulators.

Answer to Problem 86A

Aluminum chair is hotter to sit than a wooden bench because aluminum is a good conductor of heat and it absorbs more heat in the same period of time as compared to wooden bench which is a poor conductor of heat.

Explanation of Solution

The better a substance is at conducting heat the more heat it will absorb in the given period of time. Aluminum is a metal which is good conductor hence the chair made of aluminum gets heated up faster.

Conclusion

Aluminum being a good heat conductor heats up faster and the aluminum chair, therefore feels hotter.