A material that does not conduct thermal energy well is called an insulator.

Quick Scoop

  • In physics, an insulator is any material that resists the flow of heat, meaning it has low thermal conductivity.
  • Common thermal insulators include wood, plastic, rubber, glass, air, and foam, all of which slow down the transfer of heat.

In many school science questions, when you see “does NOT conduct thermal energy well,” the expected one-word answer is “insulator.”

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