electrical / thermal / optical properties definitions

Electrical Conductivity

Property that allows the flow of electrical current through a material with minimal resistance.

Electrical Insulator

Material that does not permit the flow of electricity easily, characterized by high resistance to electrical current.

Magnetism

Natural force between objects leading to attraction, particularly noticeable with iron or steel materials.

Thermal Conductor

Allows the transfer of heat energy through the material. A material with high thermal conductivity allows the transfer of heat to occur quickly across the material

Thermal Insulator

Prevents the transfer of heat through the material, e.g. saucepan handle

Thermal Expansion

The tendency of matter to change in volume in response to a change in temperature. 

Materials generally expand when they get hot and shrink upon cooling. 

Opaque

Does not allow light to pass through

Translucent

Allows light to pass through but diffuses the light so that objects appear blurred

transparent

Allows light to pass through easily which means you can clearly see through the material