What does thermal conductivity measure?

Thermal conductivity measures the ability of a material to conduct heat. This property is crucial in understanding how heat moves through different substances. Materials with high thermal conductivity, such as metals, allow heat to flow through them efficiently. In contrast, materials with low thermal conductivity, like insulating materials, resist heat flow, making them useful for preventing heat loss or gain in various applications.

In practical terms, thermal conductivity can affect many everyday situations, from cooking (using materials that quickly heat up) to designing energy-efficient buildings (using insulating materials to keep heat in during the winter and out during the summer). Understanding thermal conductivity helps scientists and engineers select the appropriate materials for specific thermal management tasks.