Heat conduction

Heat conduction is the transmission of heat across matter.

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Heat transfer is always directed from a higher to a lower temperature. Denser substances are usually better conductors; metals are excellent conductors.

Related Topics:
Temperature - Denser - Metals

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The law of heat conduction also know as Fourier's law states that the time rate of heat flow Q through a slab (or a portion of a perfectly insulated wire, as shown in the figure) is proportional to the gradient of temperature difference:

Related Topics:
Heat flow - Proportional - Gradient

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: Q = K A rac{Delta T}{Delta x}

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A is the transversal surface area, Δ x is the thickness of the body of matter through which the heat is passing, K is a conductivity constant dependent on the nature of the material and its temperature, and ΔT is the temperature difference through which the heat is being transferred. This law forms the basis for the derivation of the heat equation.

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