Answer:
The difference in the observed temperature of measurement of the material and their apparent temperature when touched by hand is due to their relative higher affinity for heat. As such aluminum with a lower heat capacity or higher affinity or transmission ability for heat than the hand will feel cool when touched.
The materials have different specific heat capacity or heat affinity which is a measure of their ability to quickly take on the temperature of their surroundings, in this case their ability to conduct heat energy relative to the hand
Step-by-step explanation:
The aluminium with specific heat capacity of 0.900 J/gm K requires very little heat to cause a temperature change compared to a wood with a specific heat capacity of 1.76 J/gm K such that when one touches a piece of aluminium, the aluminium quickly raises its temperature by absorbing heat from the hand which is observed as it (the aluminium), being cold. The same can be said of the paper towel
The relationship is
Heat loss or gain = mass × specific heat capacity × temperature change
In other words, aluminium has a higher affinity for heat than either the hand or wood