Definition
A measure of how easily electric current flows through a material or component. Conductance is the reciprocal of resistance and is expressed in siemens (S), formerly called mhos. A material with high conductance allows current to flow with little opposition; a material with low conductance restricts current flow.
Plain English
How easily electricity moves through something. The higher the conductance, the more freely current flows.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft electrical system discussions, especially when checking wires, connectors, switches, grounds, and other parts of a circuit.
Derivation
From the Latin conducere, meaning 'to lead together' or 'bring along.' A conductor leads electricity along its path; conductance describes how well it does so.
Why Pilots Care
Poor conductance in wiring or connections can cause voltage drops, equipment failures, or electrical fires.
Analogy
Think of conductance like the width of a water pipe. A wide pipe lets water flow easily (high conductance); a narrow pipe restricts it (low conductance). Resistance is the narrowness; conductance is the openness.
Intuition Check
Conductance does not mean the amount of electricity stored in something. It means how easily electricity can pass through it.
Example Sentence 1
Corroded battery terminals reduce conductance and can prevent the starter from drawing enough current to crank the engine.
Example Sentence 2
Low conductance in the starter cable prevented the engine from cranking at normal speed.