Question

Describe how heat transfer occurs when you place your hand in a sink full of hot water.

Answer 1

Answer:

If one places ones's hands into a sink full of hot water, heat is transferred from the hot water to the hands. Heat only flows when there is a temperature gradient, i.e when there is a difference in temperature between a hot and a cold body. Heat is always transferred from a hot body to a cold body and never the reverse in a normal system.

At the boundary of the hand and water, heat transfer is by conduction between the hot water molecules and the molecules of the hands. This heat is then further transferred to the internal body organs and body fluid through either convection or conduction. This heat transfer is maintained until both the water and the hands are at the same temperature, assuming the owner is able to withstand the heat.