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 through physical touch.

Front

What is convection?

Back

Convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids (liquids or gases). It creates currents as warmer, less dense areas rise and cooler, denser areas sink.

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 space.

Front

Give an example of conduction.

Back

An example of conduction is when a metal spoon gets hot after being placed in a hot bowl of soup.

Front

Give an example of convection.

Back

An example of convection is when warm air rises and cool air sinks, creating a current in a room heated by a radiator.

Front

Give an example of radiation.

Back

An example of radiation is feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin, even though you are not in direct contact with it.

Front

What happens to particles during conduction?

Back

During conduction, particles in the hotter object vibrate faster and transfer their energy to adjacent, cooler particles.

Front

What happens to fluids during convection?

Back

In convection, warmer fluids become less dense and rise, while cooler fluids become denser and sink, creating a circular motion.

Front

How does radiation differ from conduction and convection?

Back

Radiation does not require a medium to transfer heat, while conduction and convection require direct contact or movement of fluids.

Front

What is an everyday example of convection in nature?

Back

An everyday example of convection in nature is the formation of wind, where warm air rises and cool air moves in to replace it.