What quality of steel is primarily related to its ability to conduct heat?

The choice that states steel "transmits heat readily" is the best answer because it accurately reflects the properties of steel as a material with good thermal conductivity. Steel, being a metal, has free electrons that allow it to facilitate the transfer of thermal energy effectively. This property is crucial in many applications, including construction and fire safety, where understanding how materials respond to heat is important in assessing fire behavior, structural integrity under heat, and effective prevention methods.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the true characteristics of steel. For instance, describing steel as a "poor thermal conductor" contradicts its metallic properties, where metals generally conduct heat much better than non-metals. Stating that steel is "a better insulator than conductor" is inaccurate since insulation implies a resistance to heat transfer, which does not apply to steel. Lastly, claiming that steel "has no thermal conductivity" also misrepresents its fundamental behavior as a conductor of heat.

Overall, understanding steel's ability to transmit heat readily is essential for various applications, particularly in fire prevention and safety planning.