When someone holds a hand above a fire, the air molecules around the fire are heated up and begin to move faster. These molecules bump into the molecules in the person’s hand, causing them to vibrate and transfer thermal energy to the hand.
Other related questions:
Q: How thermal energy is transferred from the fire to you?
A: There are three ways that heat can be transferred from the fire to you: conduction, convection, and radiation.
Conduction is the transfer of heat through direct contact. When you put your hand in the fire, heat is conducted from the fire to your hand.
Convection is the transfer of heat through a fluid, such as air or water. Hot air rises, so the heat from the fire is convected upwards and around the room.
Radiation is the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves. The heat from the fire is radiated outwards in all directions.
Q: What type of heat transfer happens when you put your hand over a fire?
A: The heat transfer that occurs when you put your hand over a fire is called conduction. This is because heat is transferred from the fire to your hand through direct contact.
Q: How is heat transferred when your hand touches a hot surface?
A: Heat is transferred by thermal conduction when your hand touches a hot surface.
Q: Which method is transferring the heat to the person’s hand?
A: There are multiple ways to transfer heat to a person’s hand. Some common methods include using a heat source such as a heater, or placing the hand in warm water.