An athlete finishes a long race on a warm, breezy day and is covered in sweat. Even though the air temperature is warm, they quickly begin to feel chilly.
Which statement best explains why the athlete feels cold?
The less energetic water molecules in the sweat escape most quickly, keeping the remaining liquid warm.
The wind stops the sweat from evaporating, trapping the dampness against the skin.
The more energetic water molecules in the sweat escape into the air, leaving behind molecules with lower average kinetic energy which cools the skin.
The sweat absorbs cold energy from the surrounding breeze and transfers it directly to the skin.
528 exam-style questions on CIE IGCSE Physics 2.2 Thermal properties and temperature, covering 2.2.1 Thermal expansion of solids, liquids and gases, 2.2.2a Internal energy and temperature, 2.2.2b Specific heat capacity, 2.2.3a Melting, boiling, condensation and solidification, 2.2.3b Evaporation, and 2.2.3c Cooling by evaporation. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.