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Thermal conductivity of materials
Beginner
Metals conduct well; insulators poorly.
Metals (copper 400 W/m·K) conduct well; plastics and wood (0.1–0.2) and air (0.025) insulate. Metal feels colder than wood because it conducts heat from your hand faster.
Copper pans heat evenly.
Feeling of cold depends on conductivity, not temperature.
In more detail
Thermal conductivity measures a material's ability to conduct heat, with metals high and gases low. Its value appears in the heat flow equation for conduction.
Real-world uses
- Choosing materials for heat exchangers and cooking pans.
- Insulation materials are chosen for low thermal conductivity.
- Engineers choose copper for heat sinks and cooking pans because metals conduct heat quickly.
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Frequently asked questions
What are typical units?
Watts per metre per kelvin.
Which material conducts heat best?
Silver and copper are among the best common conductors.
Why are some metals better conductors than others?
Free electrons carry heat in metals, and the more freely they move, the higher the thermal conductivity.
Related topics in Heat & Thermodynamics
Humidity and dew point · Greenhouse effect · Thermal equilibrium in the Sun-Earth system · Insulation and R-value · Heat transfer in everyday life