Thermal inertia

Thermal inertia refers to how quickly a material can change temperature in response to heat. Materials with high thermal inertia, like water or stone, absorb and release heat slowly, which helps maintain stable temperatures. This means they can store heat during the day and release it at night, influencing local climates. Conversely, materials with low thermal inertia, like metals, heat up and cool down quickly. Understanding thermal inertia is essential in fields like architecture, climate science, and environmental studies, as it affects energy efficiency, weather patterns, and the comfort of indoor spaces.