Which statement is true regarding the coefficient of thermal conductivity?

The coefficient of thermal conductivity is a measure of a material's ability to conduct heat. When evaluating insulating materials, the goal is to minimize heat transfer, thereby retaining thermal energy within the desired space or keeping unwanted heat out.

A lower value of thermal conductivity indicates that a material is less capable of transferring heat, making it a better insulator. In contrast, a higher value of thermal conductivity means that the material conducts heat more efficiently, which is not desirable for insulation purposes. Therefore, the statement that a higher value results in better insulating ability is not accurate, as it incorrectly suggests that materials that conduct heat well provide superior insulation.

The misconception that insulating materials perform better with higher thermal conductivity likely stems from confusion surrounding other properties of materials, but in the context of insulation, it is clear that a lower thermal conductivity is preferred. Thus, the assertion regarding the relationship between thermal conductivity values and insulating effectiveness supports the conclusion on the importance of material choice for energy efficiency.