Why does a metal bar appear hotter than a wooden bar at the same temperature? Equivalently it also appears cooler than wooden bar if they are both colder than room temperature.

Explanation

Metal bar is a better conductor of heat than wooden bar so when metal bar is touched, it rapidly transfer heat to the body and the sensation of heat is felt. But when wooden bar at same temperature is touched, it does not transfer heat so rapidly and sensation of heat felt is very low. Similarly, when one touches a cold metal bar, heat from the finger flows away rapidly and it appears cooler.