Why do different surfaces have different temperatures?

Answer 1

Different surfaces, material, color, texture, etc. have varying temperatures due to the fact that even though the ambient temperature is the same for all, they each absorb and hold heat differently.

Answer 2

That is a subjective question. It is possible for surfaces to have common temperatures.

I think you may mean why do surfaces heat up or retain heat at different rates, meaning why does temperature change quicker. The thermal properties of materials are different. That is why we use plastic for insulation and metal for condction.

Answer 3

All materials in a room are the same temperature with the exception of living warm blooded animals and heated objects. The difference in feel depends on conduction of heat.Heat moves from hot to cold. Metals are good conductors.So when you touch a metal object in a 70 degree F, room the heat goes from your hand into the metal object because your hand is 96F degrees.If you touch a hot stove your hand gets burned because heat moves from hot to cold. When you touch a fabric object, it is still 70 degrees F but it doesnt conduct well so it does not feel as cold.

Answer 4

The color of the surface is the major factor (if we are talking about outdoors). It also depends on what the surface is made out of, because after it absorbs the heat, some surfaces can "hold it in" better and longer.

Answer 5

Some absorb heat, some reflect it. Color, and density can affect the absorption of heat as well. Place a black rock and white rock in the sun. the black one absorbs more heat and the white one reflects it. The black will be hotter that the white one.

A piece of steel int he sun painted black will be much hotter than a piece of foam rubber painted black. Due to a difference in density.

Answer 6

It's all about radiation heat transfer.