What is the thermal conductivity of air?

Air is classified as a poor conductor of heat because it has a low thermal conductivity. This means that heat does not transfer easily through air compared to solid materials like metals, which are known for their high thermal conductivity. The arrangement of air molecules allows for only minimal energy transfer when they collide, which is characteristic of gases. Therefore, air is often used as an insulating medium, as it can effectively reduce heat loss in various applications, such as in building insulation and thermal clothing. In contrast, excellent conductors and moderate conductors transfer heat much more efficiently, while an ideal insulator would not conduct heat at all, making them unsuitable descriptions for air’s thermal properties.