Conduction, Convection, & Radiation

Front

What is conduction?

Back

Conduction is the transfer of heat through direct contact between materials. It occurs when two objects at different temperatures touch each other, allowing thermal energy to flow from the warmer object to the cooler one.

Front

What is convection?

Back

Convection is the transfer of heat through liquids and gases caused by the movement of the fluid itself. Warm fluid rises while cool fluid sinks, creating a circulation pattern.

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, allowing heat to be transferred through empty space.

Front

How does convection work in boiling water?

Back

In boiling water, the hot water at the bottom rises to the top while the cooler water sinks, creating a circular motion known as a convection current.

Front

What happens to thermal energy when two objects at different temperatures touch?

Back

Thermal energy passes from the warmer object to the cooler object until they reach thermal equilibrium.

Front

What is an example of conduction?

Back

An example of conduction is touching a hot stove and feeling the heat transfer to your hand.

Front

What is an example of convection?

Back

An example of convection is the warm air rising from a heater and circulating around a room.

Front

What is an example of radiation?

Back

An example of radiation is feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin, even when you are not in direct contact with it.

Front

What is thermal equilibrium?

Back

Thermal equilibrium is the state reached when two objects in contact have the same temperature and no heat flows between them.

Front

What role does density play in convection?

Back

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