Conceptual Physics (12th Edition)

Published by Addison-Wesley
ISBN 10: 0321909100
ISBN 13: 978-0-32190-910-7

Chapter 17 - Reading Check Questions (Comprehension) - Page 332-333: 30

Answer

The first reason is that the hot coals are poor conductors of heat. The second reason is that the heat that ordinarily would burn you will instead first change the phase of the water on your feet. The water becomes a vapor, which furthermore provides a short-lived insulating layer between your feet and the coals.

Work Step by Step

This is discussed on page 331.
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