any type of metal, that's why a pan gets really hot when put over a flame, because metal conducts heat really well
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Materials that are good conductors of heat include metals such as copper, aluminum, and iron. These materials allow heat to flow through them easily due to the high mobility of their atomic particles. Insulators like wood, rubber, and plastic, on the other hand, are poor conductors of heat as they inhibit the flow of heat energy.
Copper is one of the best materials for conducting heat due to its high thermal conductivity. Other good heat conductors include aluminum and silver. These materials are commonly used in cookware and electronic components to efficiently transfer heat.
An insulating material placed between conducting materials to retard the passage of heat or cold is called insulation. Insulation works by reducing the transfer of heat through conduction, convection, and radiation, helping to maintain desired temperatures within a space. Common materials used for insulation include fiberglass, foam, cellulose, and mineral wool.
Heat can travel through solids, liquids, and gases as long as there is a temperature difference between two objects. Some materials may be better at conducting heat than others, and some materials may block or insulate against heat transfer. Overall, heat can be transferred through most materials, but the rate and efficiency of heat transfer can vary.
Materials with low thermal conductivity, such as wood or cork, will transfer heat at a slower rate compared to materials with high thermal conductivity like metals. These materials are less efficient in conducting heat due to the lower movement of thermal energy through their structure.
You can tell if something is conducting thermal energy by observing if it becomes warmer to the touch when in contact with a heat source. Materials that are good conductors of thermal energy will quickly transfer heat from the source to the surrounding area. Metals like aluminum and copper are good conductors of thermal energy, while materials like wood and rubber are poor conductors.