Feeling the Heat
Most recent answer: 09/26/2014
- Donna (age 48)
Meshoppen
Yes, mainly the heat is transferred via one vibrating molecule rattling another. Some low-frequency infrared photons are also constantly being emitted and absorbed, so that's another heat transfer path. Those photons are the ones that make us show up on infrared night-vision cameras.
The name "nuclear forces" refers to the forces holding the particles in a nucleus together. Body temperature isn't even close to being high enough to tear apart nuclei. Perhaps by "nuclear forces" you mean the forces holding atoms and molecules together, involving the states of their electrons. That would be asking, in other words, if chemical reactions occur at body temperature. They certainly do. Thermal energy can tear apart molecules.
Mike W.
(published on 09/26/2014)