Which of the following is considered a good conductor of heat?

Copper is recognized as an excellent conductor of heat due to its atomic structure and properties. Metals, in general, are known for their ability to transfer heat efficiently, and copper stands out among them. This is because copper has a high density of free electrons. These free electrons can move easily through the metallic lattice, allowing heat to be transferred rapidly from one part of the conductor to another.

In contrast, materials like wood, paper, and air are poor conductors of heat, classified as insulators. Wood and paper do not possess the free-moving electrons necessary for efficient heat conduction, which is why they are often used as insulative materials. Air, while it can conduct heat to some extent, does so very poorly compared to metals due to its gaseous state and lower density of molecules. The effectiveness of a conductor hinges on its ability to allow energy to flow through it, and copper excels in this aspect, making it the right choice for heat conduction.