A Comparative Study on the Thermal and Electrical Conductivity of Common Materials

Abstract

This study investigates the thermal and electrical conductivity of a selection of materials, with the objective of determining which materials allow heat and electric current to pass through efficiently. A comprehensive review of the underlying principles governing these phenomena is also presented, along with their practical applications in everyday life. Understanding these properties are essential for preparation for advanced physics courses and help explain various technological applications. The findings clarify why metals dominate wiring and heat-sink applications, whereas polymers and wood serve as insulators in construction and consumer products. The results also highlight that while most good electrical conductors are also good thermal conductors, the reverse is not always true. These insights are significant for material selection in engineering, electronics, and insulation applications. This review couples simple classroom experiments with peer-reviewed data.