There are three types of heat transfer: conduction, convection, and radiation. All three types of heat transfer involve the transfer of thermal energy from a hotter object to a cooler object.
Conduction is the transfer of thermal energy through direct contact. When you touch a hot stove, for example, heat is conducted from the stove to your hand. The molecules in the hot stove vibrate, and these vibrations are transferred to the molecules in your hand, causing them to vibrate as well. This transfer of energy from the hot stove to your hand continues until the temperature of your hand is the same as the temperature of the stove.
Convection is the transfer of thermal energy through the movement of a fluid (liquid or gas). When you heat a pot of water on the stove, for example, the water at the bottom of the pot becomes hot first. The hot water then rises to the top of the pot, and cooler water from the top of the pot sinks to the bottom. This movement of the water creates convection currents, which transfer heat from the bottom of the pot to the top.
Radiation is the transfer of thermal energy through electromagnetic waves. The Sun, for example, transfers thermal energy to Earth through radiation. The Sun is a hot object, and it emits electromagnetic waves. These waves travel through the vacuum of space and are absorbed by the Earth. The energy in the waves is then transferred to the molecules in the Earth, causing them to vibrate. This transfer of energy from the Sun to the Earth continues until the temperature of the Earth is the same as the temperature of the Sun.
Other related questions:
Q: Which best illustrates the way radiation transfers thermal energy?
A: The most efficient way to transfer thermal energy is by radiation.
Q: How is thermal energy transferred during radiation?
A: Radiation is a type of energy transfer that occurs when heat travels through the air or space. The sun emits radiation that eventually reaches the earth and warms it.
Q: What is an example of thermal energy transfer by radiation?
A: One example of thermal energy transfer by radiation is the sun radiating heat and light to Earth.
Q: How the thermal energy is transferred?
A: There are three main ways that thermal energy can be transferred: conduction, convection, and radiation.
Conduction is the transfer of heat through direct contact. For example, if you put your hand on a hot stove, the heat will be conducted from the stove into your hand.
Convection is the transfer of heat through a fluid, such as air or water. For example, when a room is heated, the hot air rises and circulates around the room, transferring the heat to the cooler air.
Radiation is the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves. For example, the heat from the sun is transferred to the Earth by radiation.