At the simplest level, heat conductivity in metals is governed by two processes - the lattice vibrations and the transport of the free electrons. What makes a metal to be good heat conductors in general is predominantly due to these free electrons. So the rate of thermal conductivity depends on how easily they can move and "carry" the heat from one location to another (since the electron gas has very low specific heat, they absorb heat very easily and also gives off heat very easily).
At "high" temperatures (i.e. room temperature and above), the mechanism that dominates the electron transport in metals is the electron-phonon interaction. Phonons are lattice vibrations. The coupling between electrons and phonons in a solid is very complicated and depends on, for example, the phonon spectrum. Thus, this can vary from one material to another, and even in a material, can very in one direction versus another.
For copper, it has a relatively weaker electron-phonon coupling than, let's say, Pb and Al. So at a given temperature, the conduction electrons do not get "interfered" with the phonons as strongly as Pb and Al (or even Fe). So it can move more efficiently.
This is also the reason why Cu is also a better electrical conductor than most other metals at room temperature. Ironically, because of its weak coupling with the phonons, it doesn't have enough "glue" to form the necessary Cooper Pairs at very low temperatures and thus, it does not become a superconductor, whereas poorer conductors like Pb and Nb can, due to the stronger electron-phonon coupling strength.
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∙ 9y agoCopper is an excellent heat conductor due to its high thermal conductivity and low electrical resistance. The close atomic structure of copper allows for efficient transfer of heat energy through the material. Additionally, copper's ability to quickly and evenly distribute heat makes it a popular choice for various heating and cooling applications.
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∙ 11y agoCopper has more electrons on its outer orbital than aluminum or brass. This way the electrons, which carry the heat, are more free to move around and spread heat. So if a substance has more electrons on its outer orbital then is can conduct heat faster.
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∙ 15y agoMost copper alloys conduct heat better than most aluminum alloys do. That said, you can probably find exceptions: aluminum alloys that conduct heat better than copper alloys.
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∙ 11y agoYes. Copper is a better conductor than aluminum.
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∙ 6y agoCopper is NOT the best heat conductor, you are misinformed. Silver is a better conductor than copper and diamond is better still, it is 5 times better than copper.
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∙ 11y agobecause i like birthday cakes
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∙ 14y agobecause cookies r rectangular
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∙ 12y agoBecause it does
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∙ 12y agoyes
Yes, mercury is a good conductor of heat but it is not the best conductor. Metals like copper and silver are better conductors of heat than mercury.
Silver is the best conductor of heat energy among common metals, as it has the highest thermal conductivity. Copper is also an excellent conductor of heat and is commonly used for heat exchangers and cooling systems.
Conductor, it is actually one of the best conductors for both heat and electricity.
We know that silver is the best heat conductor among the metals, followed by copper.
The best conductor of heat is silver, followed by copper and aluminum. The worst conductor of heat is typically materials like wood, paper, and plastic.
Not exactly. That is why it warms up with heat. A good conductor of heat like copper or iron is best conductor in comparision to water.
NO ! Now the graphens are considered the best heat conductors.
Yes, mercury is a good conductor of heat but it is not the best conductor. Metals like copper and silver are better conductors of heat than mercury.
Silver is the best conductor of heat energy among common metals, as it has the highest thermal conductivity. Copper is also an excellent conductor of heat and is commonly used for heat exchangers and cooling systems.
Conductor, it is actually one of the best conductors for both heat and electricity.
It lets heat go from one end to another.
We know that silver is the best heat conductor among the metals, followed by copper.
Steel and copper are both metals, but copper is the best conductor.
The best conductor of heat is silver, followed by copper and aluminum. The worst conductor of heat is typically materials like wood, paper, and plastic.
Silver, copper, gold are the best conductors of heat. In this order.
aluminum is the best, then copper then stainless steel
No, heat is not the best conductor. Metals like silver and copper are better conductors of heat than most other materials due to their high thermal conductivity.