1. Conductors vs. Insulators

2. Conductors Materials that allow easy transfer of heat energy
Most metals are good conductors of thermal energy such as copper, iron and gold.

3. Insulators
Materials that do not allow for easy transfer of heat energy.
Examples include plastic, cork, wood and down feathers.

4. Insulators are often used in construction to keep homes warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

5. RSI (Relative Strength index)
Materials are given R-values (RSI).
R values tell the consumer how well the material will insulate or rather keep heat from transferring to another material.

6. The higher the R-value, the better the product is at providing insulation.
MATERIAL
RSI per cm of Thickness
Blue Plastic Foam Panels
0.35
White Plastic Foam Panels
0.29
Fiberglass
0.24
Vermiculite
0.16
Plywood
0.087
Glass
0.017
Brick
0.014
Aluminum
Still Air
0.15
Newsprint
0.28

7. Insulators are important for energy efficiency.
It stops heat from leaking out of your home and into the environment.
Insulators help keep down the cost of both natural gas and electrical use in your home.