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 are in contact, allowing heat to flow from the hotter object to the cooler one.

Front

What is convection?

Back

Convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids (liquids or gases). It occurs when a hot liquid or air expands, becomes less dense, and rises, while cooler, denser liquid or air sinks.

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

Example of conduction in everyday life?

Back

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

Front

Example of convection in everyday life?

Back

An example of convection is the way warm air rises and cool air sinks in a room, creating a circulation of air.

Front

Example of radiation in everyday life?

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 happens to air when it is heated?

Back

When air is heated, it expands, becomes less dense, and rises.

Front

What happens to air when it cools?

Back

When air cools, it becomes denser and sinks.

Front

How does a heat pack warm cold feet?

Back

A heat pack warms cold feet through conduction, as the warmth from the heat pack is conducted into the cooler feet.

Front

What is the role of density in convection?

Back

Density plays a crucial role in convection; hot fluids are less dense and rise, while cooler fluids are more dense and sink, creating a convection current.