4 Type Of Conductivity

4 Type Of Conductivity

In general, conductivity is the rate at which matter or energy can pass through the given material. Materials with high electrical conductivity, for example, will easily accommodate the movement of electrical charges. Of course, these measurements have a variety of practical applications, ranging from the use of conductivity to transfer heat or energy using insulation to stay on.

Each of these uses depends on the type of activity desired and the type of conductivity used as a reference.

Thermal conductivity

Thermal conductivity is a measure of the material's ability to accommodate the movement of heat energy (heat) measured in Watt per meter of Kelvin (W / mK). Materials with high thermal conductivity levels are usually used as heat sinks in practical applications, just as materials with low thermal conductivity levels (high thermal resistivity levels) are often used as insulation. Although there are exceptions, metals tend to be good thermal conductors and gas tends to be good insulators.

Electrical conductivity

The electrical conductivity, measured at Siemens per meter (S / m), depends on a molecular structure similar to that of thermal conductivity. Metallic and highly polarized materials that conduct heat well are also good conductors of electricity. Given the importance of electricity in the modern world - and in particular the importance of transferring electricity from generators to users - electrical conductivity is a highly relevant measure, used to design electrical transmission systems such as copper electrical wires that move energy at long distances with minimal durability.

Ionic conductivity

Ionic conductivity is a molecular category that measures the ability of charged particles (ions) to move through the crystalline structure of the material. Compounds and elements capable of receiving ionic movement through their structures are called electrolytes and are usually solid or liquid. Although ionic conductivity seems to have fewer practical applications than other and better known forms of conductivity, measuring and controlling the actual ionic conduction that makes ordinary household objects such as microwaves and batteries work.

Hydraulic conductivity

The hydraulic conductivity describes the rate at which water can move through the porous elements of the surface. Measured empirically or predicted by grain size calculations, hydraulic conductivity is an important consideration for assessing the permeability of soils, rocks and layers of plants. Such studies provide important information for watershed management, agriculture and flood prevention. Hydraulic conductivity is also used to model the behavior of aquifers and underground water deposits, formed by the ability of water to move horizontally and vertically through various materials and geologic layers.