Thermal Diffusivity Calculator

Find thermal diffusivity from conductivity, density and specific heat.

Thermal diffusivity (m²/s) 0.0001

Formula: α = k ÷ (ρ·c_p)

Step-by-step with your numbers:
1. Values used:
2. Thermal conductivity = 400 W/(m·K)
3. Density = 8,960 kg/m³
4. Specific heat = 385 J/(kg·K)
5.
6. Thermal conductivity / Density = 0.0446
7. Thermal diffusivity = (Thermal conductivity x Density) / Specific heat = 0.0446 / 385 = 0.0001m²/s
Did we solve your problem today?

Thermal diffusivity measures how fast heat spreads through a material.

The math behind it

α = k ÷ (ρ·c_p). High-α materials reach thermal equilibrium quickly.

Worked example

Copper (k 400, ρ 8960, c_p 385) → about 1.16 × 10⁻⁴ m²/s.

FAQ

Why does metal feel cold?

High diffusivity draws heat from your hand rapidly.