Final answer:
The wind chill factor is calculated using wind speed and air temperature to determine the perceived coldness due to strong winds. For instance, an air temperature of 0°C with 15.0 m/s wind speed feels like -18°C in still air.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two considerations used to calculate the wind chill factor are wind speed and air temperature. These two parameters give a measure of the perceived decrease in air temperature felt by the skin due to the flow of air. For example, a 15.0 m/s wind at 0°C makes conditions feel like the still air temperature is about -18°C.
Wind chill is an important concept as it provides a better understanding of how cold the environment truly feels, beyond what simple thermometer readings might indicate. It is a critical factor in environmental science, survival planning, and in preparing for outdoor activities in cold weather conditions.
This concept is rooted in the study of convection, the transfer of heat through fluids or gases, which in this case is air. These findings are a reminder of how convection can transfer heat more effectively than conduction, resulting in faster cooling of the body in windy conditions.