Interactive visualisations
These demonstrations focus on relationships rather than isolated answers. Each visualisation uses a stated simplified model so you can see what changes and what stays constant.
For a uniform plane layer, steady conductive heat flow is inversely proportional to thickness when conductivity, area and temperature difference stay fixed.
Calculated heat flow:
Model: k = 0.04 W/(m·K), area = 10 m², ΔT = 20 K, Q̇ = kAΔT/L.
Give the same 100 kJ of energy to 1 kg of different materials. A higher specific heat capacity produces a smaller ideal temperature rise.
Ideal temperature rise:
Model: ΔT = Q/(mc), Q = 100 kJ, m = 1 kg. No phase change or heat loss.
For an ideal blackbody, emitted radiant power per unit area follows σT⁴. The scale below compares emission with the value at 20°C.
Blackbody emission:
Model: E = σT⁴. This displays emitted power, not net exchange with surroundings.
The bars compare the representative conductivity values in the site dataset. A logarithmic visual scale is used because metals and insulation differ by several orders of magnitude.
Values are representative and condition-dependent. Use the thermal properties table for condition notes.