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Does a thermometer pick up wind chill factor? |
msmmsm
Joined: Sep 03, 2003
Posts: 187
From: Edinburgh
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Been in an area where it was very cold (stationary), decided to see what it would be hanging my thermometer outside the car at about 60mph for 10min, was a bit surprised to find temp was approx the same
So...Does a thermometer pick up wind chill factor?
Thanks for any responses to this geeky question!
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Cycovision
Joined: Nov 30, 2003
Posts: > 500
From: England
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No, because wind chill is a perceived value derived mathematically, not an absolute value that can be directly measured</geek>
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msmmsm
Joined: Sep 03, 2003
Posts: 187
From: Edinburgh
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Part that confused me is I put my hand out the window and could not hold it there for more than 1 minute, after which my hand was in pain and totally numb, so if I can "feel the huge drop", why can a thermometer not ???
It was minus 6 and walking in it was ok with no gloves |
Cycovision
Joined: Nov 30, 2003
Posts: > 500
From: England
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Because the cold that you "feel" depends on a number of factors such as the accelerated rate of heat loss from your hand through rapid cooling of moisture coupled with the way that your nerves work. Thermometers don't have nerves, of course.
Technically speaking, moving air heats things up through friction, hence why Concorde used to heat up and expand despite traveling in the very thin air and sub-zero temperatures you get at 50,000 feet or more.
[ This Message was edited by: Cycovision on 2007-12-21 20:47 ] |
msmmsm
Joined: Sep 03, 2003
Posts: 187
From: Edinburgh
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Thanks for that.  |
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Posted: 2007-12-21 21:13
