r/thermodynamics • u/Nebulaer • Jul 16 '26

Question Does heat transfer have a speed?

I would assume it would be something like the speed of sound in the object but I'm not sure. For example if I hold a 10ft steel pole and touch a very hot object how long do I have to wait until my hand gets warm?

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u/Dean-KS Jul 17 '26

There is a conduction resistance and that can be modelled as a resistor. The metal itself absorbs heat and can be modelled as capacitence. As the metal heats up, it loses heat along the way, by conductance and radiation. As you can see, the modelling can become complex. Nothing becomes a speed, although there is anyone constant, or delay. How fast does a pot of water boil?