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How can we enjoy a 100C sauna, but not boiling water?

Question

I enjoy a sauna set at 100C degrees. How can I enjoy that, but not put my hand in a pan of 100C water?
Stephen, Crawley

Answer

** Definitive **
Name: Tom, Hornchurch
Qualification: Module on material science at university
Answer: Water is a much better conductor of heat than air is. Water at 100C would be conducted efficiently by your body and thus scold you. If you’re sitting in an atmosphere where it’s just air – and dry air –  it’s a less efficient way to transfer heat and your body can withhold a lot higher temperature.

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