Which materials are known to be good conductors of heat?

The correct answer identifies copper and aluminum as materials that are excellent conductors of heat. Conductors allow heat to flow through them efficiently, which is essential in various applications, such as cooking utensils, heat exchangers, and electrical wiring.

Copper is widely recognized for its outstanding thermal conductivity, making it a preferred choice in both electrical and thermal applications. Not only does it conduct heat well, but it also has durability and resistance to corrosion. Aluminum, while not as conductive as copper, still possesses good thermal conductivity, is lightweight, and is often used in cooking equipment and heat sinks.

The other material pairs listed are less suitable for heat conduction. Glass does not conduct heat well, acting instead as an insulator, which makes it suitable for applications requiring heat resistance. Stainless steel, while better than glass, still falls short of the thermal conductivity of copper or aluminum. Wood and plastic are known insulators and do not effectively conduct heat, making them unsuitable for applications where heat transfer is required. Silicone and ceramic, while useful in some contexts, also have lower thermal conductivities compared to metals like copper and aluminum.