Q&A: Cool Aluminum Foil Question

Linda Hedges asks:

So why does aluminum foil not get hot in the oven? I just removed a tent-like piece from atop our Christmas turkey with my bare pinkies. Cool as a cucumber. I wondered why... and then I remembered I could askstevedotcom!

How seasonal!!  A Christmas question.  The phenomenon Linda describes has everything to do with mass, gravitas, weight, and other heavy issues.  Granted, while inside a 350 degree oven, the aluminum foil is indeed 350 degrees warm.  However, because the foil is so, so thin (0.008 inches thick) it contains very little mass and therefore few actual calories.  Also, because aluminum is an excellent conductor of things like heat (and electricity) it cools very rapidly, especially compared to other metals.  So, voila, (that's French) the foil cools almost as soon as you get it out of the oven.

However, if the foil has come in contact with fluids like oil, or turkey goo, it will remain hot enough to burn one's pinkies when handled too soon.  So, be careful.  As the guys on Mythbusters say, "Don't try this at home, .......ever."

When's dinner anyway?

 

Comments

[Linda Hedges]

Steve, Were you like totally and completely surprised about askstevedotcom... and how did your marvelously talented daughter spill the beans... and don't you just love it? I think Julia is a genius. Do you agree?

[Steve Kennedy]

Linda, yes, they kept this thing a total surprise until a few days ago when I noticed a suspicious email. I am really enjoying the site. Some of the technical aspects still have me a bit flustered, but I should have those "mastered" shortly. Thanks.

Steve K.