Physics – 2.3.4 Consequences of thermal energy transfer | e-Consult

Conduction, convection and radiation are three different methods of heat transfer.

Conduction is the transfer of heat through a substance by the vibration of particles. It occurs most effectively in solids. Example: Heating a metal pan on a hob. This is suitable because metals are good conductors of heat, allowing the heat from the hob to quickly transfer to the food in the pan.

Convection is the transfer of heat by the movement of fluids (liquids or gases). It occurs because warmer fluids are less dense and rise, while cooler fluids are denser and sink, creating currents. Example: Heating a room with a radiator. This is suitable because the radiator heats the air, which then rises and circulates throughout the room, distributing the heat.

Radiation is the transfer of heat by electromagnetic waves. It does not require a medium and can occur in a vacuum. Example: The sun heating the Earth. This is suitable because the sun's energy travels through the vacuum of space to reach the Earth. Another example is using a microwave oven, where microwaves are absorbed by water molecules in food to generate heat.