Heat Transfer

Radiation

• The transfer of energy along electromagnetic waves
• When a wave comes into contact with and object, the energy is transferred to the object in the form of heat
• Radiation is the ONLY heat transfer that can travel through empty space

Radiation examples:
- Lightbulb
- Camp Fire

Conduction

• The transfer of heat between objects or substances that are in direct contact with each other
• The head is transferred when the vibration or motion communicates to neighboring atoms
• Conduction works well in solid because the atoms are close together.
• It works poorly in liquids and gases because atoms are further apart

Conduction examples:
- Air
Metals

Convection

• The transfer of heat by movement through a medium
• It is the primary method of heat transfer through gases and liquids
• It warms, expands, and rises because it is less dense.

Convection examples:
- Hot air balloon
- water boiling in a pan