Are liquids colder alumminum or plastic?

Answer 1

The temperature of a liquid is not dependent on the vessel containing it. The temperature is what it is, regardless of the container.

On the other hand, your perception of its temperature can be markedly different since the aluminum can will conduct heat much more rapidly than the plastic one. The aluminum can will, therefore, conduct heat away from your fingers and into the liquid at a faster rate than would the plastic container. This will lower the temperature of your fingers, making the liquid in the aluminum can feel colder.

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See also:
Are_liquids_colder_in_glass_or_alumminum

Your liquid (or whatever) will eventually take the temperature of the environment. So, if you put the liquid in the refrigerator, then check it the next day, the liquid in aluminum, glass, or plastic will be the same temperature.

The thermal conductivity of various materials are:

Silver > Copper > Aluminum > Steel > Glass > Plastic

So, liquids stored in metal containers will change to their environment quicker than other containers.

Keep in mind, if your container is a different temperature than the liquid, then it will act as a heat sink. This is one of the reasons for using very thin fine china which acts as less of a heat sink.

As mentioned in the other posting, if the temperature is less than body temperature, then the materials that have the greatest thermal conductivity will feel colder. And, the container and it's contents will also absorb heat faster from your hand.

Answer 2

Aluminum.