What is thermal conductivity?

Answer 1

In physics, thermal conductivity, k, is the intensive property of a material that indicates its ability to conduct heat.

It is defined as the quantity of heat, Q, transmitted in time t through a thickness L, in a direction normal to a surface of area A, due to a temperature difference ΔT, under steady state conditions and when the heat transfer is dependent only on the temperature gradient.

thermal conductivity = power/distance/temperature

Answer 2

Thermal conductivity is a measure of how fast heat will travel through a substance. For instance, if you hold a metal rod in your hand and put the other end of the rod in a fire, how long will it take before the rod becomes so hot that you can't hold it any more? The time will be different for different substances. A steel rod will heat up quickly, while a glass rod will heat up slower. Thermal conductivity is measured in BTU's per inch per degree of temperature per second. (BTU = British Thermal Unit, a unit of energy).

What factors affect it? As far as I know, the thermal conductivity of a given substance depends only on its current temperature. The rate of heat flow through an object is determined by its thermal conductivity, the temperature difference between the hot and cold ends, and any convection (heat carried away by wind, etc.) that may be present between the ends.

Answer 3

In physics, thermal conductivity, k, is the intensive property of a material that indicates its ability to conduct heat.