Conduction, Convection & Radiation

Conduction is the transfer of thermal energy through direct contact between materials, occurring in solids, liquids, and gases.

Convection is the transfer of thermal energy through the movement of fluids (liquids and gases) caused by differences in temperature and density.

Radiation is the transfer of thermal energy through electromagnetic waves, which can occur in a vacuum.

Thermal energy moves in a predictable pattern, from warmer sites to cooler sites.

The Law of Conservation of Energy states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed, it just changes form.

An example of conduction is a metal spoon getting hot when placed in a pot of hot soup.

An example of convection is warm air rising and cool air sinking in a room, creating a circulation of air.

An example of radiation is feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin.

During conduction, particles vibrate and transfer energy to neighboring particles through direct contact.

During convection, warmer, less dense fluid rises while cooler, denser fluid sinks, creating a circulation pattern.