Heat Transfer

Front

What is heat transfer?

Back

Heat transfer is the movement of thermal energy from one object or substance to another due to a temperature difference.

Front

What are the three main methods of heat transfer?

Back

The three main methods of heat transfer are conduction, convection, and radiation.

Front

Define conduction.

Back

Conduction is the transfer of heat through direct contact between materials, where heat moves from the hotter object to the cooler one.

Front

Give an example of conduction.

Back

An example of conduction is when a metal spoon gets hot after being placed in a hot cup of coffee.

Front

Define convection.

Back

Convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids (liquids or gases) caused by differences in temperature and density.

Front

Give an example of convection.

Back

An example of convection is warm air rising to the ceiling in a room, causing cooler air to move down.

Front

Define radiation.

Back

Radiation is the transfer of heat in the form of electromagnetic waves, which can occur in a vacuum.

Front

Give an example of radiation.

Back

An example of radiation is feeling warmth from the sun or from a fireplace without direct contact.

Front

What role does temperature play in heat transfer?

Back

Temperature differences drive heat transfer; heat moves from areas of higher temperature to areas of lower temperature.

Front

How does the material affect conduction?

Back

Materials that are good conductors, like metals, transfer heat more efficiently than insulators, like wood or plastic.