Debunking the Myth: Walking Barefoot on the Kitchen Floor Gives You a Cold

Question:

Were you told that walking barefoot on the kitchen floor would give you a cold? 1) True 2) False

Final answer:

Answer:

The correct answer is: False. Colds are caused by viruses; the cold sensation of kitchen tiles is due to efficient heat transfer from the feet to the tiles, explained by the principles of physics like conduction.

Debunking the Myth

Many people have been told at some point in their lives that walking barefoot on a cold kitchen floor can give them a cold. This belief has been passed down through generations, but it is actually a myth.

Colds are caused by viruses

A cold is caused by a viral infection, typically the rhinovirus. Exposure to cold temperatures can weaken the immune system and make you more susceptible to getting sick, but it is not the direct cause of a cold. The virus has to enter your body and infect your cells in order for you to develop symptoms like a runny nose, cough, and sore throat.

Heat transfer and conduction

When you walk barefoot on a cold kitchen floor, you may feel a sudden sensation of coldness. This is due to the efficient heat transfer from your feet to the tiles. Materials like tile conduct heat more efficiently than softer surfaces like carpet. As a result, your skin loses heat more quickly to the tiles, making them feel colder even though they are at the same temperature as the surrounding carpet.

This phenomenon is explained by the principles of physics, specifically conduction. Heat always flows from warmer areas to cooler areas, and materials that conduct heat well, like tile, allow for rapid heat transfer. So, the next time you step on a cold kitchen floor and feel a chill, remember that it's not giving you a cold—it's just the laws of physics at work!