Conduction, Convection, Radiation

Front

What is conduction?

Back

Conduction is the process of heat transfer through direct contact between materials. It occurs when faster-moving particles collide with slower-moving ones, transferring energy.

Front

What is convection?

Back

Convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids (liquids or gases). Warmer, less dense fluid rises while cooler, denser fluid sinks, creating a circulation pattern.

Front

What is radiation?

Back

Radiation is the transfer of heat in the form of electromagnetic waves, such as light. It does not require a medium to travel through, allowing heat to be transferred through empty space.

Front

Give an example of conduction.

Back

An example of conduction is when a metal spoon is placed in a hot pot of soup. The heat from the soup transfers to the spoon, making it hot.

Front

Give an example of convection.

Back

An example of convection is boiling water. As the water at the bottom heats up, it rises to the top, while cooler water sinks to the bottom.

Front

Give an example of radiation.

Back

An example of radiation is feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin. The sun's heat travels through space to reach us.

Front

What materials are good conductors of heat?

Back

Good conductors of heat include metals like copper, aluminum, and silver.

Front

What materials are good insulators?

Back

Good insulators include materials like wood, rubber, and plastic, which do not conduct heat well.

Front

How does convection affect weather patterns?

Back

Convection helps create wind and weather patterns by moving warm air up and cool air down, influencing temperature and precipitation.

Front

What is the role of radiation in heating the Earth?

Back

Radiation from the sun heats the Earth's surface, which then warms the air above it, contributing to weather and climate.