Conduction, Convection and Radiation

Different transfers of heat

There are three main types of heat transfers.

Conduction: This occurs when particles in one part of an object are heated, causing them to vibrate. These vibrations are then passed from particle to particle throughout an object. Solids are generally good conductors of heat because the bonds between the particles are small. They are constrained together.

Convection: This is the spread of heat from one place to another due to the movement of particles in liquids and gases. The liquids and gases transfer their heat in convection currents. These currents work when the warm air rises, and the cooler, denser air flows quicky to take its spot.

Radiation: This occurs when heat energy travels through invisible waves and it does not need materials to travel through.