What does thermal conductivity in heat transfer refer to?

Thermal conductivity specifically refers to the measure of a material’s ability to transfer thermal energy. This property indicates how well heat can move through a substance when there is a temperature difference. Materials with high thermal conductivity, such as metals, allow heat to flow through them easily, while materials with low thermal conductivity, like wood or insulating foams, impede heat flow.

When considering thermal conductivity, it is important to distinguish it from electrical conductivity, which relates to how well a material can conduct electricity. The rate of thermal energy production refers to the amount of heat generated, but does not address the transfer of heat itself. Lastly, while the resistance to heat flow describes a related concept, thermal conductivity specifically focuses on how efficiently materials can conduct heat rather than the opposition they provide against heat flow.