The human body loses heat through three primary mechanisms: radiation, conduction, and evaporation.
Radiation
Radiation is the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves. Your body constantly emits infrared radiation, which carries away heat. This is why you feel cooler when you are in a room with lower temperatures, even if you are not directly touching anything cold.
Conduction
Conduction is the transfer of heat through direct contact. When you touch a cold surface, heat is transferred from your body to the surface, making you feel cooler. This is also how you lose heat when you sit on a cold floor or wear cold clothing.
Evaporation
Evaporation is the process of liquid turning into a gas, which requires heat energy. When you sweat, the sweat evaporates from your skin, taking heat with it. This is why you feel cooler after exercising or being in a hot environment.
Examples:
- Radiation: Sitting near a window on a cold day.
- Conduction: Holding a cold glass of water.
- Evaporation: Sweating during exercise.
