Question

At what wind speed does −10ºC air cause the same chill factor as still air at −29ºC?

a) 5 m/s
b) 10 m/s
c) 15 m/s
d) 20 m/s

Answer 1

The wind speed at which -10ºC air causes the same chill factor as still air at -29ºC is approximately 28.09 m/s.

Step-by-step explanation:

A chill factor, also known as wind chill factor, is the measure of how cold it feels outside when the air temperature combines with the wind speed. In this case, we are comparing the chill factors of -10ºC air and -29ºC still air. According to the given table, a wind speed of 15.0 m/s at 0°C has a chilling equivalent of still air at about -18°C. To find the wind speed at which -10ºC air has the same chill factor as -29ºC still air, we can use proportions:

(-10 - (-18)) / (-29 - (-18)) = (Wind Speed - 15) / (0 - (-18))

Simplifying the equation, we get:

-8 / -11 = (Wind Speed - 15) / 18

Cross-multiplying:

-8 * 18 = -11 * (Wind Speed - 15)

Solving the equation gives us:

Wind Speed - 15 = 13.09

Wind Speed ≈ 28.09 m/s

Therefore, the wind speed at which -10ºC air causes the same chill factor as still air at -29ºC is approximately 28.09 m/s.