Conduction
Reference from the original Physics I textbook.
- Conduction
The transfer of kinetic energy from molecules due to collisions between them.
- Related Glossary Terms
Conduction Rate Equation, Table 7.3.1: Material Conductivities, Thermal Conductivityⓘ
- Index
Glossary and deeper reading · 1 refreshers
These editorial refreshers supplement the reading. Definitions and examples are added guidance; original source wording and recorded answers remain in their original context.
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Thermal conductivity
Thermal conductivity measures how readily a material conducts energy through a temperature gradient. It is a material property with units watts per meter per kelvin, distinct from the sample’s heat capacity or thickness. For example, a metal and an insulating foam slab of the same dimensions can have very different conduction rates.