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 from being 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). It occurs when warmer, less dense fluid rises and cooler, denser fluid sinks, creating a circulation pattern, like warm air rising in a room.

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 we can feel the heat from the Sun even though space is a vacuum.

Front

Give an example of conduction.

Back

An ice cube melting in a person's hand is an example of conduction, as heat is transferred from the hand to the ice cube.

Front

Give an example of convection.

Back

A furnace heating the air in a school is an example of convection, as warm air rises and circulates throughout the room.

Front

Give an example of radiation.

Back

A car’s inside temperature rises to over 100 degrees on a sunny day due to radiation from the Sun.

Front

What happens to air when it is heated?

Back

When air is heated, it becomes less dense and rises, creating convection currents.

Front

How does the Sun transfer heat to the Earth?

Back

The Sun transfers heat to the Earth through radiation, in the form of electromagnetic waves.

Front

What is the role of density in convection?

Back

In convection, warmer fluids are less dense and rise, while cooler fluids are denser and sink, creating a cycle of movement.

Front

What is an insulator?

Back

An insulator is a material that does not conduct heat well, such as rubber or wood, which helps to reduce heat transfer.