Science Common Sense


1218 - What are the ways heat is transferred?

There are three main ways heat is transferred:

  1. Conduction: This is when heat moves from one thing to another thing that is touching it. For example, if you hold a hot cup of coffee, the heat from the coffee will move to your hands through the cup.

  2. Convection: This is when heat moves through a liquid or gas, like air or water. When a liquid or gas gets hot, it rises up and cooler liquid or gas takes its place, creating a cycle. This is what happens when you heat water in a pot.

  3. Radiation: This is when heat moves through the air, but it doesn't need anything to touch. You can feel the radiation heat when you sit near a campfire or a heater.