Chapter 16, Problem 1P

To determine

Thermal conductivity and its significance in heat transfer.

Explanation of Solution

Thermal conductivity:

The ability of the material to conduct heat is known as thermal conductivity. It is denoted by the letter “k” and measured in the unit of ${\text{W/m}}^2\cdot \text{K}$.

The thermal conductivity of the material is defined as the rate of heat transfer $\left(\text{W}\right)$ through a material of unit thickness $\left(\text{m}\right)$ per unit area $\left({\text{m}}^2\right)$ and per unit temperature difference $\left(\text{K}\right)$.

Significance of thermal conductivity in heat transfer:

The material's thermal conductivity measures how quickly the material drives or transfers heat through it. When the value of thermal conductivity is high, the material will conduct the heat as much as good and the material is said to be a good heat conductor and vice versa.