Conduction, Convection, & Radiation

Front

What is conduction?

Back

Conduction is the transfer of heat 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). It occurs when warmer, less dense fluid rises and 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. It does not require a medium to travel through, allowing heat to be transferred through empty space.

Front

Example of conduction in everyday life?

Back

When you touch a hot metal spoon that has been in a pot of boiling water, the heat from the spoon transfers to your hand.

Front

Example of convection in everyday life?

Back

When boiling water, the hot water at the bottom rises to the top, while cooler water descends, creating a circular motion.

Front

Example of radiation in everyday life?

Back

Feeling warmth from the sun on your skin is an example of heat transfer through radiation.

Front

How does heat flow when holding a hot cup of tea?

Back

Heat flows from the hot cup to your hand.

Front

What happens to the temperature of a substance during conduction?

Back

The temperature of the hotter substance decreases while the temperature of the cooler substance increases until they reach thermal equilibrium.

Front

What is thermal equilibrium?

Back

Thermal equilibrium is the state in which two objects in contact with each other reach the same temperature and no heat flows between them.

Front

What is an insulator?

Back

An insulator is a material that does not conduct heat well, preventing heat transfer. Examples include wood, plastic, and rubber.