What is thermal inertia?

Thermal inertia refers to the ability of a material to conduct heat and thus to resist changes in its temperature when subjected to a heat source. This property characterizes how quickly a material will rise in temperature when exposed to heat. When a material has high thermal inertia, it will take longer to heat up and cool down, suggesting that it can absorb and retain heat more effectively. This is particularly important in fire investigations as it affects how materials respond during a fire, influencing burn patterns and the potential for ignition.

The other options describe thermal properties but do not directly relate to the concept of thermal inertia. The melting point refers to a specific phase change, flammability relates to how easily a material can catch fire, and the temperature at which combustion stops addresses combustion processes rather than heat absorption characteristics. Therefore, the option that correctly identifies thermal inertia is the one that highlights its impact on the rate of temperature increase when a material is exposed to heat.