Question

Why is a dry, fluffy coat a better insulator than the same coat when it is wet?

Short answer

Answer: A dry, fluffy coat is a better insulator because it contains numerous air pockets that resist the flow of heat. When the coat becomes wet, water molecules fill the air pockets and reduce the coat's insulating properties, as water is a better conductor of heat than air. The presence or absence of trapped air pockets significantly affects the insulating properties of the coat.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding insulation

Insulation is the process by which a material resists the flow of heat. Good insulators help keep heat in during cold temperatures and keep heat out during warm temperatures. The property of insulation is often determined by the composition of a material and how its structure affects heat transfer.

Explaining the role of air pockets and fluffy materials

Fluffy materials with many air pockets, such as the dry, fluffy coat, are excellent insulators because air itself is a poor conductor of heat. The trapped air pockets within the fluffy coat create a barrier that resists heat transfer, causing the coat to act as an effective insulator.

Discussing the impact of water on the coat's insulation properties

When the same fluffy coat becomes wet, the water molecules can fill the air pockets, reducing the space between fibers of the coat. Water is a better conductor of heat than air, which means it transfers heat more efficiently than trapped air. Consequently, when the air pockets are filled with water, the coat loses its insulating properties due to the increased heat transfer.

Comparing dry and wet coats

In summary, a dry, fluffy coat provides better insulation because it contains numerous air pockets that resist the flow of heat. On the other hand, when the coat becomes wet, the water molecules replace the insulating air pockets, making the coat less effective as an insulator. The key difference between the two situations lies in the presence or absence of trapped air pockets, which significantly affects the insulating properties of the coat.