energy transfer by conduction

Thermal conduction

The process in which kinetic energy transfers between directly adjacent particles through physical contact and collisions.

Thermal conductivity ($k$)

A material property quantifying the rate of heat flow per unit area per unit temperature gradient, with SI units of $W\,m^{-1}\,K^{-1}$.

Fourier's Law

The equation describing conductive heat transfer rate as directly proportional to surface area and temperature gradient: $q = -k A \frac{dT}{dx}$.

Free electron diffusion

The mechanism responsible for high heat transport rates in metals, where mobile valence charge carriers transfer energy rapidly across the lattice.

Lattice vibrations (phonons)

The primary mechanism of heat transmission in non-metallic crystalline solids, occurring through coordinated atomic oscillations.

Thermal insulator

A substance characterized by extremely low conductive efficiency that impedes the flow of heat energy.