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Thermal diffusivity
In heat transfer analysis, thermal diffusivity is the ratio of thermal conductivity to heat capacity.
- <math>\alpha = {k \over {\rho c_p}}</math>
where k is thermal conductivity and ρcp is heat capacity. Units are mē/s.
Substances with high α will rapidly adjust their temperature to that of surroundings, because they conduct heat quickly in comparison to their thermal 'bulk'.
See also thermodynamics.
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