Which Metal Has the Highest Thermal Conductivity?
Thermal conductivity describes the ability of a material to conduct heat. Diamonds are the most popular materialistic conductor. When comparing metals, pure copper and silver have the highest thermal conductivity. This was determined from three major factors. Valence Electrons Copper and silver have two valence electrons, which means they have a low energy. In the solid state, they are free to leave one atom and move to its neighboring atom. These now free electrons can move under the influence of an electric field and their motion constitutes an electric current, which allows heat to pass through. Size of the Sample The larger the sample, the more difficult it will be for heat to pass through. The size of a copper atom is 10 to 12 cm, and the size of a silver atom ranges from 15 to 20 cm. The ranges of other metals begin at 200 times this. Structure of the Metal Copper and silver are resistant to temperature, which keeps them as the best conductors of heat. When any other metal gains
