Conduction, Convection, Radiation

Front

What is conduction?

Back

Conduction is the transfer of heat through direct contact between materials. It occurs when heat moves from a hotter object to a cooler one, such as when a metal spoon gets hot in a pot of boiling water.

Front

What is convection?

Back

Convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids (liquids or gases). Warm air or liquid rises, while cooler air or liquid sinks, creating a circulation pattern.

Front

What is radiation?

Back

Radiation is the transfer of heat in the form of electromagnetic waves. It does not require a medium to travel through, which is why you can feel the warmth of the sun even in space.

Front

How does warm air behave in a room?

Back

Warm air rises because it is less dense than cooler air. This process is known as convection.

Front

What happens when you touch a hot stove?

Back

You feel heat through conduction, as the heat transfers directly from the stove to your skin.

Front

How does the sun heat the Earth?

Back

The sun heats the Earth primarily through radiation, as sunlight travels through space and warms the surface.

Front

What is an example of convection in everyday life?

Back

An example of convection is when boiling water in a pot circulates, with hot water rising to the top and cooler water sinking to the bottom.

Front

What is an example of conduction?

Back

An example of conduction is when a metal rod is heated at one end, and the heat travels to the other end through direct contact.

Front

What is an example of radiation?

Back

An example of radiation is feeling the warmth of a campfire from a distance without being in direct contact with the flames.

Front

What is the role of insulation in heat transfer?

Back

Insulation reduces heat transfer by conduction, convection, and radiation, helping to keep heat in or out of a space.