How does conduction contribute to heat loss when the body is in contact with a surface cooler than the body?

How does conduction contribute to heat loss when the body is in contact with a surface cooler than the body?

• A. Heat flows from the surface to the body.
• B. Conduction does not affect heat loss.
• C. Heat flows from the body to the cooler surface, increasing heat loss.
• D. Conduction only affects heat loss if there is airflow.

Answer: (C)

Conduction is direct heat transfer between objects that are in contact, driven by a temperature difference. When the body sits on a surface cooler than itself, the molecules at the body’s interface have higher energy than the cooler surface molecules. Through contact, energy flows from the warmer body to the cooler surface, so heat is lost from the body to the surface. This transfer continues as long as there is a temperature difference, and it increases the body's heat loss in cold conditions. If the surface were warmer, heat would move toward the body instead. Conductive heat loss depends on how much surface is in contact and how well the material conducts heat, with more contact or a more conductive surface increasing the rate of heat loss.

Conduction is direct heat transfer between objects that are in contact, driven by a temperature difference. When the body sits on a surface cooler than itself, the molecules at the body’s interface have higher energy than the cooler surface molecules. Through contact, energy flows from the warmer body to the cooler surface, so heat is lost from the body to the surface. This transfer continues as long as there is a temperature difference, and it increases the body's heat loss in cold conditions. If the surface were warmer, heat would move toward the body instead. Conductive heat loss depends on how much surface is in contact and how well the material conducts heat, with more contact or a more conductive surface increasing the rate of heat loss.