Heat Transfer: Conduction, Convection, Radiation

Front

What is conduction?

Back

Conduction is the transfer of heat through a material without the movement of the material itself. It occurs when two objects at different temperatures are in direct contact.

Front

What is convection?

Back

Convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids (liquids or gases). It occurs when warmer, less dense fluid rises and cooler, denser fluid sinks.

Front

What is radiation?

Back

Radiation is the transfer of heat in the form of electromagnetic waves. It does not require a medium and can occur in a vacuum.

Front

How does warm water behave in a swimming pool?

Back

Warm water rises to the surface due to convection, as it is less dense than cooler water.

Front

Why does a fireman feel heat when touching a hot door?

Back

The heat is transferred to his hand through conduction, as his hand is in direct contact with the hot door.

Front

What happens to air near the ceiling of a room?

Back

The air near the ceiling is warmer and rises due to convection, creating a circulation pattern.

Front

How do friends stay warm around a fire?

Back

They receive heat through radiation, as the heat from the fire travels through the air to warm them.

Front

What causes sea breezes?

Back

Sea breezes are caused by convection, where warm air over the land rises and cooler air from the ocean moves in to replace it.

Front

What is an example of conduction in everyday life?

Back

An example of conduction is when a metal spoon gets hot after being left in a pot of boiling water.

Front

What is an example of convection in nature?

Back

An example of convection is the rising of warm air during a hot day, creating wind patterns.