Alkoholilämpö

Alkoholilämpö, often translated as alcohol heat or alcoholic heat, refers to the phenomenon where the evaporation of alcohol produces a cooling sensation. This is a common experience when handling or consuming alcoholic beverages, particularly those with a high alcohol content. The cooling effect is due to the principle of evaporative cooling. Alcohol, like water, has a relatively high latent heat of vaporization. This means that to change from a liquid state to a gaseous state, it requires a significant amount of energy.

When alcohol is exposed to the air, such as on the skin or in the mouth, it readily evaporates. The energy needed for this evaporation is drawn from the surrounding environment, including the skin or the mucous membranes in the mouth. As this heat energy is absorbed by the evaporating alcohol, the temperature of the surface from which it is evaporating decreases. This reduction in temperature is perceived as a cooling sensation.

The rate of evaporation, and thus the intensity of the cooling effect, depends on several factors. These include the type of alcohol, its concentration, ambient temperature, and air movement. For instance, higher concentrations of alcohol generally evaporate more quickly and produce a stronger cooling effect. This is why spirits like vodka or ethanol feel much cooler on the skin than, for example, a lower-alcohol wine. The phenomenon is also utilized in some cooling applications, though its practical use is limited compared to other cooling methods.