Which method of heat transfer occurs through contact between objects?

Which method of heat transfer occurs through contact between objects?

• A. Metabolism
• B. Conduction
• C. Convection
• D. Radiation

Answer: (B)

Heat transfer through contact between objects is called conduction. It happens when two items touch and energy moves from the hotter to the cooler one directly through particles colliding and exchanging energy. In solids, vibrating molecules pass energy to neighboring molecules, while in metals free electrons can shuttle energy quickly from the hot region to the cooler one. This is why a metal spoon left in hot soup gets warm along its length, not because the entire soup moves, but because contact transfers heat along the spoon. Conduction relies on direct touch. In contrast, convection requires the movement of fluids (gas or liquid) carrying heat with their flow, and radiation transfers heat through electromagnetic waves without any contact between the objects.

Heat transfer through contact between objects is called conduction. It happens when two items touch and energy moves from the hotter to the cooler one directly through particles colliding and exchanging energy. In solids, vibrating molecules pass energy to neighboring molecules, while in metals free electrons can shuttle energy quickly from the hot region to the cooler one. This is why a metal spoon left in hot soup gets warm along its length, not because the entire soup moves, but because contact transfers heat along the spoon.

Conduction relies on direct touch. In contrast, convection requires the movement of fluids (gas or liquid) carrying heat with their flow, and radiation transfers heat through electromagnetic waves without any contact between the objects.