Material properties (thermodynamics)

Thermodynamics is about how things feel and react when energy (heat) is added or taken away. Materials have certain properties that decide how much energy is needed or released when they are heated or cooled. For example, if you touch a hot piece of metal, your hand will get burned because it is a good conductor of heat, meaning it can carry heat quickly away to your hand. On the other hand, if you touch a cold piece of wood, it will feel cold but your hand won't get burned because wood is a bad conductor of heat because it doesn't carry heat away quickly.