Heat Capacity, Body Temperature, and Hypothermia

Doris R. Kimbrough
University of Colorado at Denver, Chemistry Department Box 194, P.O. Box 173364, Denver, CO 80217-3364
J. Chem. Educ., 1998, 75 (1), p 48
DOI: 10.1021/ed075p48
Publication Date (Web): January 1, 1998

Abstract

Even when air and water are at the same temperature, water will "feel" distinctly colder to us. This difference is due to the much higher heat capacity of water than of air. Offered here is an interesting life science application of water's high heat capacity and its serious implications for the maintenance of body temperature and the prevention of hypothermia in warm-blooded animals.

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  • Received: August 03, 2009

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