Glass is a poor conductor of heat.
Heat conduction refers to the transfer of thermal energy within a substance, from a high-temperature area to a low-temperature area. The better the thermal conductivity of the conductor, the faster the heat energy transfer inside it. On the contrary, a poor conductor has poor thermal conductivity and the internal heat energy transfer is slower.
The reason glass is a poor conductor is due to the special properties of its molecular structure. Glass is a non-crystal, and its molecular structure does not have a regular lattice structure, but a disorderly arrangement. This disorderly arrangement of the structure results in the distance and angle changes between the molecules in the glass being unable to form an effective energy transfer path.
As a result, glass cannot conduct heat like metals or other crystals, resulting in a very low thermal conductivity. In addition, the surface of glass is often covered with a layer of fine oxides, called glass shavings, which can also reduce heat conduction.
Related applications of glass:
1. Windows: Glass windows are one of the most common applications in architecture. The thermal conductivity of glass is very low, allowing glass windows to prevent indoor and outdoor heat exchange and maintain a stable indoor temperature.
2. Solar panels: As a covering for solar panels, glass can prevent the loss of solar radiation without absorbing solar energy, ensuring that solar panels work efficiently.
3. Optical devices: The refractive index of glass is very high, so it is widely used in the manufacture of optical devices, such as telescopes, microscopes, camera lenses, etc.
4. TV screen: Modern TV screens are usually composed of LCD screens and glass protective layers. The poor thermal conductivity of glass can make TV screens more energy-saving.
5. Medical equipment: As a material for medical equipment, glass will not transfer heat to medical equipment, making it safer and more hygienic.