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evildemonic
evildemonic
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There are 3 modes of heat transfer: Conduction, radiation, and convection.

ConductionConduction is heat simply transferring via contact with its surroundings. Aluminum is a pretty good conductor of heat this way. In this specific mode, the aluminum is worse, it will conduct more than most other things. But, you have to ask yourself, what is it conducting to? Once heat is conducted to the aluminum it then must continue elsewhere. Aluminum has very little heat capacity, meaning the heat can't really just drain into the aluminum and be stored there. Very little energy will have left the food before the aluminum foil and food are at thermal equilibrium.

RadiationRadiation is heat leaving via electromagnetic radiation. Mostly infrared. The aluminum blocks/reflects this. This makes it a better insulator than being exposed.

ConvectionConvection would be circulating air currents carrying the heat away. Again, here the aluminum blocks it.

To answer the question: Yes, aluminum foil can be a thermal insulator.

And for your edit: I believe the foil could work to keep the sensor cool as you surmise.

There are 3 modes of heat transfer: Conduction, radiation, and convection.

Conduction is heat simply transferring via contact with its surroundings. Aluminum is a pretty good conductor of heat this way. In this specific mode, the aluminum is worse, it will conduct more than most other things. But, you have to ask yourself, what is it conducting to? Once heat is conducted to the aluminum it then must continue elsewhere. Aluminum has very little heat capacity, meaning the heat can't really just drain into the aluminum and be stored there. Very little energy will have left the food before the aluminum foil and food are at thermal equilibrium.

Radiation is heat leaving via electromagnetic radiation. Mostly infrared. The aluminum blocks this. This makes it a better insulator than being exposed.

Convection would be circulating air currents carrying the heat away. Again, here the aluminum blocks it.

To answer the question: Yes, aluminum foil can be a thermal insulator.

And for your edit: I believe the foil could work to keep the sensor cool as you surmise.

There are 3 modes of heat transfer: Conduction, radiation, and convection.

Conduction is heat simply transferring via contact with its surroundings. Aluminum is a pretty good conductor of heat this way. In this specific mode, the aluminum is worse, it will conduct more than most other things. But, you have to ask yourself, what is it conducting to? Once heat is conducted to the aluminum it then must continue elsewhere. Aluminum has very little heat capacity, meaning the heat can't really just drain into the aluminum and be stored there. Very little energy will have left the food before the aluminum foil and food are at thermal equilibrium.

Radiation is heat leaving via electromagnetic radiation. Mostly infrared. The aluminum blocks/reflects this. This makes it a better insulator than being exposed.

Convection would be circulating air currents carrying the heat away. Again, here the aluminum blocks it.

To answer the question: Yes, aluminum foil can be a thermal insulator.

And for your edit: I believe the foil could work to keep the sensor cool as you surmise.

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evildemonic
evildemonic
  • 111
  • 5

There are 3 modes of heat transfer: Conduction, radiation, and convection.

Conduction is heat simply transferring via contact with its surroundings. Aluminum is a pretty good conductor of heat this way. In this specific mode, the aluminum is worse, it will conduct more than most other things. But, you have to ask yourself, what is it conducting to? Once heat is conducted to the aluminum it then must continue elsewhere. Aluminum has very little heat capacity, meaning the heat can't really just drain into the aluminum and be stored there. Very little energy will have left the food before the aluminum foil and food are at thermal equilibrium.

Radiation is heat leaving via electromagnetic radiation. Mostly infrared. The aluminum blocks this. This makes it a better insulator than being exposed.

Convection would be circulating air currents carrying the heat away. Again, here the aluminum blocks it.

To answer the question: Yes, aluminum foil can be a thermal insulator.

And for your edit: I believe the foil could work to keep the sensor cool as you surmise.