The perception of temperature and comfort is influenced by several factors, including heat transfer, thermal conductivity, and the body's physiological response to different environments. While it's true that water conducts heat more effectively than air, there are other factors at play that contribute to the different sensations experienced in air versus water of the same temperature.
Heat conductivity: Water has a higher thermal conductivity compared to air, which means it transfers heat more efficiently. When you are immersed in water, it conducts heat away from your body more rapidly than air, resulting in a greater sensation of coldness.
Heat capacity: Water has a higher specific heat capacity than air, meaning it can store more heat energy per unit mass. As a result, it takes longer to heat up or cool down water compared to air. When you enter water that is at a lower temperature, it draws heat away from your body at a faster rate, leading to a perception of coldness.
Evaporative cooling: Air has the ability to evaporate moisture from your skin, which can create a cooling effect and contribute to a more comfortable sensation. In water, this evaporative cooling effect is significantly reduced, as the water surrounds your body and prevents efficient evaporation.
Thermoreceptors and adaptation: The human body has thermoreceptors that are sensitive to temperature changes in both air and water. However, our bodies are more accustomed to sensing and adapting to air temperature variations. In water, the temperature change is more sudden and intense, causing a stronger sensory response and potentially feeling colder.
Thermal insulation: Air acts as an insulator and creates a layer of trapped air around your body, which slows down heat loss. In water, this insulating layer is disrupted, and water can more effectively come into contact with your body, leading to faster heat transfer and a sensation of coldness.
It's important to note that individual preferences and subjective experiences can vary. Some people may feel more comfortable in water than others, and factors such as body fat percentage, activity level, and acclimatization can also influence the perception of temperature.