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 is heated by hot soup.

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, such as how the sun warms the Earth.

Front

Example of conduction in everyday life?

Back

An example of conduction is when you hold a hot cup of tea, and the heat transfers from the cup to your hand.

Front

Example of convection in everyday life?

Back

An example of convection is when a furnace heats the air in a room, causing warm air to rise and cool air to sink.

Front

Example of radiation in everyday life?

Back

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

Front

What happens to heat when a metal spoon is placed in hot soup?

Back

The handle of the metal spoon warms up due to conduction, as heat transfers from the hot soup to the cooler spoon.

Front

How does heat transfer in a boiling pot of water?

Back

In a boiling pot of water, heat is transferred by convection as the hot water rises and the cooler water sinks.

Front

What is the main difference between conduction and convection?

Back

Conduction involves direct contact between materials, while convection involves the movement of fluids.

Front

What is an example of heat transfer by convection?

Back

An example of heat transfer by convection is the warm air rising from a heater.