Heat Transfer: Conduction, Convection, Radiation

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What is conduction?

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Conduction is the transfer of heat through a material without the movement of the material itself. It occurs when two objects at different temperatures are in direct contact.

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NGSS.MS-PS3-3

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What is convection?

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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.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

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What is radiation?

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Radiation is the transfer of heat in the form of electromagnetic waves. It does not require a medium and can occur in a vacuum.

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NGSS.HS-PS4-3

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How does heat transfer occur in a swimming pool?

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In a swimming pool, warm water rises and cooler water sinks, creating a circulation pattern. This process is called convection.

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NGSS.MS-PS1-4

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What happens to warm air over a beach?

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Warm air over the beach rises, and cooler air from the ocean moves in to replace it, demonstrating convection.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

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How does a microwave heat food?

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A microwave heats food primarily through radiation, as it uses microwave radiation to excite water molecules in the food.

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NGSS.MS-PS3-5

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What is an example of conduction in everyday life?

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An example of conduction is touching a hot metal spoon that has been in a pot of boiling water; the heat transfers from the spoon to your hand.

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What is an example of convection in nature?

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An example of convection in nature is the formation of wind, where warm air rises and cooler air moves in to take its place.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

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What is an example of radiation in everyday life?

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An example of radiation is feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin, which is heat transferred through electromagnetic waves.

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NGSS.MS-PS4-2

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What role does convection play in ocean currents?

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Convection drives ocean currents, such as the Gulf Stream, where warm water moves from the equator towards the poles.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6