Question

With an example of each, explain the uses of good and bad conductors of heat.

Answer 1

Good conductors of heat are used where we want to transfer heat faster from one point to the other. For example, cooking utensils are made of metals like brass, steel and aluminium, which are good conductors of heat. Though silver and copper are best conductors of heat but not usually used in cooking utensils as they are expensive.

Bad conductors of heat are used where we want to stop the heat from getting transferred or where we do not want the heat to be lost or gained from the surroundings. For example, handles of cooking utensils are made of wood or plastic, which are bad conductors of heat. Hence, the handles don't heat up during cooking, thereby allowing us to hold the utensils comfortably.