Wind Chill
Recommended for grades 6–12.
Introduction
A nice breeze can cool you down on a hot day or send a chill through you on a day that is already cold. Wind carries heat away from our bodies making us feel cooler. This phenomenon is called wind chill. The wind chill temperature (sometimes called the wind chill factor) is the temperature we feel based on both the actual temperature and the wind speed.
In this experiment, the effect of wind on the temperature of a warm body will be measured and analyzed. A Temperature Probe will measure the temperature of warm water in a flask that represents a human body. A second Temperature Probe will measure the actual temperature of the air. There will be no wind in Part I, whereas wind will be generated by a fan in Part II.
Objectives
In this experiment, you will
- Use a Temperature Probe to measure the effect of wind on the temperature of a warm body.
- Use a Temperature Probe to measure the effect of wind on the temperature of the air.
- Interpret your results.
Sensors and Equipment
This experiment requires each of the following Vernier sensors and equipment (unless otherwise noted):
Additional Requirements
You may also need an interface and software for data collection. What do I need for data collection?
Download Experiment Preview
The student-version preview includes:
- Step-by-step instructions for computer-based data collection
- List of materials and equipment
Note: The experiment preview of the computer edition does not include essential teacher information, safety tips, or sample data. Instructions for Logger Pro and other software (such as LabQuest App or TI handheld software, where available) are on the CD that accompanies the book. We strongly recommend that you purchase the book before performing experiments.
Standards Correlations
See all standards correlations for Earth Science with Vernier »
Included in the Lab Book
Vernier lab books include a CD with word-processing files of the student instructions, essential teacher information, suggested answers, sample data and graphs, and more.