What does the "K" value of a material indicate?

The "K" value, commonly referred to as the thermal conductivity, indicates a material's ability to transfer heat. This value quantifies how readily heat can move through a material when there is a temperature difference across it. A higher K value means that the material is a better conductor of heat, facilitating faster heat transfer. This property is crucial for various applications in engineering and construction, particularly when designing systems for insulation or heat exchange, as it helps determine how efficiently heat can be retained or dissipated in a given material. Understanding the K value allows for better decision-making regarding the selection of materials for thermal management purposes.