Thermal properties refer to how materials respond to changes in temperature. These properties include thermal conductivity, which measures how well a material can conduct heat, and specific heat capacity, which indicates how much heat energy is needed to raise the temperature of a substance. Understanding thermal properties is essential in various fields, such as engineering and materials science. For example, metals typically have high thermal conductivity, making them suitable for applications like heat exchangers, while insulating materials are designed to minimize heat transfer, helping to maintain temperature in buildings and appliances.