Metals are good conductors of heat
Hold a piece of paper above a candle flame: it
will char if brought near. Place a metal coin
on the paper and repeat the experiment: the
metal will conduct away the heat and leave a
pattern on the paper.
Conductivity of metal and wood
A piece of metal tube with a wooden rod
fitted into it shows the same effect: if the
wooden rod is held over a flame, it will burn.
A penholder with a metal band at one end
can be used for this experiment. The same
principle is involved in a simple experiment
with a cigarette, a metal coin and a handkerchief. Wrap the coin in the
handkerchief, stretching the fabric tightly over it between finger and thumb.
Press the red hot ember of the cigarette on this part of the handkerchief; it
does not burn.