Q:
Which metal is the best conductor of heat?
A:
Quick Answer
Of the elemental metals, silver is the best conductor of heat. It has a thermal conductivity of 235, meaning that it is able to transmit that amount of heat energy a single foot per hour per degree Fahrenheit.
Continue Reading
Credit:
poolski
CC-BY-SA 2.0
Full Answer
Since silver is rare and expensive, the second best thermal conductor, copper, is often used instead in engineering applications. Copper has a thermal conductivity of 223 at 68 degrees Fahrenheit. At higher temperatures, its conductivity drops, but even at 1112 degrees Fahrenheit, it still has a conductivity of 204. The next best metal, gold, has a thermal conductivity of 182 at room temperature.
Learn more about ThermodynamicsRelated Questions
-
Q:
Why are metals such good conductors of heat?
A: Metals conduct heat well for two reasons: metal ions pack very closely together in their molecular lattice, and electrons drifting through the metal carry ... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
Which metal conducts heat the fastest?
A: Silver is the metal that conducts heat the fastest. The thermal conductivity of silver is 420 W/ (m• K) or watts per meter degrees of Kelvin. Thermal condu... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
Does glass conduct heat?
A: Glass is a poor conductor of heat, especially in comparison to other materials, such as metal. Glass does conduct some heat, but does so more slowly than o... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
Which metal has the lowest melting point?
A: Among the elements grouped as metals, mercury has the lowest melting point at minus 38.83 degrees Celsius. Mercury has a very wide temperature range in its... Full Answer >Filed Under:
