Conductivity: meaning, definitions and examples

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conductivity

 

[kənˌdʌk.tɪˈvɪt.i ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

electrical property

Conductivity is the measure of a material's ability to conduct electric current. It is a key parameter in determining how well a substance can transmit electrical signals. Higher conductivity indicates that the material allows electric charge to flow more freely.

Synonyms

conductance, transmissivity.

Examples of usage

  • Copper has high electrical conductivity.
  • The conductivity of the solution increased with temperature.
  • This material has a low thermal conductivity.
Context #2 | Noun

thermal property

In terms of thermal properties, conductivity refers to the ability of a material to conduct heat. Materials with high thermal conductivity are efficient at transferring heat energy.

Synonyms

heat conductance, thermal transmittance.

Examples of usage

  • Metals are generally high in thermal conductivity.
  • Insulators have low thermal conductivity.
  • This ceramic material has excellent thermal conductivity.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from Latin roots: 'con-' meaning together and 'ducere' meaning to lead.
  • The term was first used in English in the 19th century as scientists began to study heat and electricity more closely.

Science

  • Materials that have high conductivity, like gold and copper, are great for making wires and electrical connections.
  • Conductivity in materials can vary greatly; for example, metals have high conductivity, while rubber has very low conductivity.

Technology

  • Conductivity measurements are essential in designing electronic devices, influencing battery performance, and semiconductor efficiency.
  • With the rise of renewable energy, materials with high conductivity are increasingly vital for solar panels and wind turbines.

Everyday Life

  • Cooking utensils often use materials with good conductivity to ensure even heat distribution, like aluminum and copper.
  • Understanding conductivity helps in many household tasks, like knowing which materials to use for wiring in homes.

Psychology

  • Some studies suggest that our emotional and cognitive states can affect our body's conductivity, which relates to skin resistance measuring during stress tests.
  • Emotions can influence how well our bodies conduct signals, explaining how our feelings can be physically sensed by others.

Translations

Translations of the word "conductivity" in other languages:

🇵🇹 condutividade

🇮🇳 संवाहनता

🇩🇪 Leitfähigkeit

🇮🇩 konduktivitas

🇺🇦 провідність

🇵🇱 przewodność

🇯🇵 導電率

🇫🇷 conductivité

🇪🇸 conductividad

🇹🇷 iletkenlik

🇰🇷 전도성

🇸🇦 التوصيلية

🇨🇿 vodivost

🇸🇰 vodivosť

🇨🇳 导电性

🇸🇮 prevodnost

🇮🇸 leiðni

🇰🇿 өткізгіштік

🇬🇪 კონდუქტივობა

🇦🇿 keçiricilik

🇲🇽 conductividad

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,934 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.