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Thermal Conductivity
Thermal conductivity describes how readily thermal energy passes through a material by conduction.
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Thermal Conductivity
Recommended for Class 10
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal conductivity describes how readily thermal energy passes through a material by conduction.
High thermal conductivity → good thermal conductor.
Low thermal conductivity → good insulator.
Formula
For a uniform slab:
**P = kAΔT/L**
where:
P = rate of energy transfer k = thermal conductivity A = area ΔT = temperature difference L = thickness
Therefore:
k ↑ → P ↑
A ↑ → P ↑
ΔT ↑ → P ↑
L ↑ → P ↓
Thermal Conductivity — Advanced
Common Mistakes
Common Mistakes
- Mistake
Thermal conductivity ≠ specific heat capacity.
- Mistake
Surface colour is mainly relevant to radiation, not conductivity.
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- Definition
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Practice
PQ
Q1. Define k.
PQ
Q2. High k means?
PQ
Q3. Low k means?
PQ
Q4. Effect of area?
PQ
Q5. Effect of thickness?
Exam Practice
EQ
Q1. Define thermal conductivity.
EQ
Q2. State the formula.
EQ
Q3. Explain insulation using k.
EQ
Q4. Compare metal and foam.
EQ
Q5. Explain thickness effect.
School-standard facts for Matric and Intermediate. Original explanations — not copied from textbooks.