Advanced search

Answers



1 answer(s)


Reply

merlin-from-cardiff says:

37 Celcius is the average human body temperature so your point presumably is that a person should not gain or lose heat energy in either situation.  However human beings, as warm-blooded animals, produce heat internally and need to get rid of an excess.  The normal way in air is by evaporation of sweat (there are limits on how well this works depending on humidity, hydration of the body involved, air movement etc.)  which requires high blood flow to the skin.  This, and the build-up of salt and oils from the sweat, will make the person feel grubby and uncomfortable.  In water any sweat will be washed away but the better conduction/convection of heat in water should remove excess heat fairly rapidly.  Despite this I wouldn't advise long-term immersion - damage to skin will occur within a few hours.

sssss
 (no votes)

Tags: temperature, Bodytemperature.

top

posted on 2009-10-23 09:52:41 | Report abuse


The last word is ...

the place where you ask questions about everyday science

Answer questions, vote for best answers, send your videos and audio questions, save favourite questions and answers, share with friends...

register now


ADVERTISMENT