Final answer:
A coat is necessary to keep warm as it provides insulation, which blocks heat from leaving the body, effectively reducing heat loss in cold environments.
Step-by-step explanation:
Based on the information provided, a coat is necessary to keep warm outside on a cold day because the insulation will block the heat from traveling away from the body. Insulation serves to limit the conduction of heat; it does this by trapping air, since air is a poor conductor of heat. This effectively reduces heat loss from the body in cold conditions. Wearing a coat with good insulating properties, like those that have materials such as fur, fiber, or fiberglass, helps maintain body temperature by utilizing air's low conductivity to create a barrier against the cold.