Describe how thermal conductivity affects the rate of energy transfer by conduction.

Thermal conductivity is the material property in focus here. In the Energy transfers in a system subtopic, high-conductivity materials pass energy by conduction quickly, while low-conductivity materials act as better insulators. The distinction matters: conductivity is about the material itself, whereas wall thickness is about the distance through the wall. A precise answer links particle or electron energy transfer to the rate of conduction and explains why low-conductivity materials reduce unwanted energy transfer. In exam answers, include the named Energy transfers in a system context, state the relevant equation or energy principle, and finish with a sentence that explains what has physically changed in the system.