Question

Relationship between thermal conductivity and temperature

Answer 1

IN GENERAL, the thermal conductivity of gases increases with temperature. Kinetic theory of gases explains why. Thermal conductivity of liquids decreases with increasing temperature as the liquid expands and the molecules move apart. In the case of solids, because of lattice distortions, higher temperatures make it difficult for electrons to flow, hence the thermal conductivity of metals decreases. In non-metals, electronic conductivity is practically non-existent and due to increase in photon conduction, the thermal conductivity increases.