What materials are most commonly known to be thermal conductors?

Metals are well-known thermal conductors primarily due to their atomic structure and the presence of free electrons that facilitate heat transfer. In metals, the electrons can move freely throughout the material, allowing them to quickly transmit energy when heat is applied. This characteristic is essential in many applications where efficient heat transfer is necessary, such as in cookware or heat exchangers.

In contrast, materials like wood and plastic are generally poor thermal conductors. They have a structure that traps heat, making them suitable as insulators rather than conductors. Ceramics can vary in their thermal conductivity, but many are also not as efficient as metals in conducting heat. Thus, when identifying materials that are excellent at conducting thermal energy, metals stand out as the most efficient option.