why are non metals good insulators of heat?

Answer 1

Because the particles, orbiting around the nucleus of the atom of an insulator, are more tightly bound to the nucleus. Therefore less able to be be conducted in a uniform manor, as in the case of metal conductors.

Answer 2

Are Metals Good Insulators

Answer 3

Generally, electrons are the method by which energy is passed from one atom to another.

This applies for heat and electricity.

So a good conductor of heat is a good conductor of electricity. The relationship is not exact.
Silver is the best conductor of electricity but copper is the bes conductor of heat.

I'll tell you what's really interesting. Carbon

Carbon can conduct electricity, in the form of graphite [pencil lead]. Graphite is pants at conducting heat though.

Diamond, which is a different allotrope of carbon does not conduct electricity at all.

Diamond does, however conduct heat...extremely well. Six times better than carbon. Diamond is the best conductor of heat known. Why? Well....oh do you really care? The answer is really hard. Just amaze people with your knowledge.

And people say the internet is a waste of time

Answer 4

The periodic table is set up to refelect the electrical orbitals of atoms. The nonmetallic atoms crystal lattice structure is not conducive to eletron transporting or conduction. What the electron is basically doing is "island hopping" from the next crystal lattice structure to the next by creating a chain reaction of electrical imbablance. Too much and the atoms will change shape and thus the metal melts.Nonmetals subatomic structure does create this by not creating a pathway or electrical instability for the electron to "move" from one atom to the next. Thus, the heat builds up.

Answer 5

Most non-metals are low density and have a totally different molecular structure to metals. Metals have high density and are crystalline in structure this dense structure is able to conduct heat efficiently through out. Non-metals generally have a `looser' structure, which is inefficient at conducting heat.

Answer 6

Not all non metals are just some .Water for instance cools quickly if not insulated

Answer 7

Diamond is a non metal and it is one of the best heat conductors known.

Answer 8

Heat Transfer & Molecular Layout / Bonding

Answer 9

because metal is good for conducting;
so, NON-metal is BAD for conducting

Answer 10

Because metal is a good conductor =:-)