Thermal conductivity is the ability of a material to transfer heat from a hotter to a cooler region. In metals this transfer is greatly aided by the movement of mobile, delocalised electrons, which carry kinetic energy through the structure. This is why metals generally feel cold to the touch and conduct heat well.

导热性是材料把热量从较热区域传向较冷区域的能力。在金属中,这种传递由离域可移动电子的运动大大促进,这些电子把动能输送到整个结构。这正是金属摸起来通常发凉、且导热良好的原因。