Question

The following statements are about how humans can transfer thermal nengergy to their surroundings when the air temperature is greater than the core body temperature, 37 C. Which statements are correct? (Note: more than one statement may be correct?)

a) The body temperature is simply allowed to go up by a few degrees, which is OK for a few hours.

b) Seat glands release liquid that is hotter than the air onto the surface of the skin, so that the skin can then cool by convective transfer of heat to the cooler surrounding air.

c) Water-like body perspiration evaporates into the surrounding air, provided it is unsaturated, producing a cooling effect at the skin surface

d) It is impossible for the body to transfer thermalenergy to the surroundings under these conditions if the relative humidity is 100%.

e) They cannot reject heat under these conditions, whatever the relative humidity, so they should just drink cold liquids to get cooler.

Answer 1

c) Water-like body perspiration evaporates into the surrounding air, provided it is unsaturated, producing a cooling effect at the skin surface

d) It is impossible for the body to transfer thermalenergy to the surroundings under these conditions if the relative humidity is 100%.