English

Noun

thermal conductivity ‎(plural thermal conductivities)

1. (physics) A measure of the ability of a material to conduct heat, often denoted k, λ, or κ.

Usage notes

The heat (thermal energy) flow P_th through a plate made of a given material depends on the thermal conductivity λ of that material, the surface of the plate A, the temperature difference over the plate ΔT and the thickness of the plate d, and follows the formula:

Thus, the higher the conductivity, the higher the heat flow. The unit of thermal conductivity in SI system of units is W·m^-1·K^-1.

Synonyms

• heat conductivity

Related terms

• thermal conductance

Translations