Water dissipates body heat approximately how many times faster than air?

Water dissipates body heat approximately 25 times faster than air. This rapid loss of heat occurs because water has a high thermal conductivity compared to air, meaning it can absorb and carry away heat from the body more efficiently.

When a diver is submerged in water, the body is exposed to a medium that can draw heat away at a significant rate. As the temperature difference between the body and the surrounding water increases, heat transfer becomes even more pronounced. This is especially critical for divers to understand, as prolonged exposure without proper thermal protection can lead to hypothermia even in relatively mild water temperatures.

While air does provide some insulation, it is far less effective in terms of heat transfer than water. The understanding of this principle is essential for divers to properly equip themselves for underwater activities and ensure their safety in varying water conditions.