surface area to volume ratio
Pronunciation
Noun
B2 Upper-intermediate
Quick answer
A comparison of an object's surface area to its volume, which shrinks as an object gets larger and affects things like heat loss and diffusion.
Test yourself
Which word fits the gap? "Small animals have a much higher _____, which is part of why they lose heat so much faster than large ones."
Answer: surface area to volume ratio
In your own words, what does "surface area to volume ratio" mean?
A comparison of an object's surface area to its volume, which shrinks as an object gets larger and affects things like heat loss and diffusion.
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