Final answer:
Heat is transferred in three ways: conduction, the transfer of heat between objects in contact; convection, the movement of mass within fluids; and radiation, the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves.
Step-by-step explanation:
Heat is transferred in three different ways: conduction, convection, and radiation. Heat transfer occurs whenever there is a temperature difference, and it can happen rapidly or slowly depending on the circumstances and materials involved.
Conduction is the transfer of heat between two objects that are in direct contact with each other. It occurs because the kinetic energy from the high-temperature object is transferred to the low-temperature object. Factors such as the temperature difference (T₂ - T₁), contact area (A), and distance (d) between the objects influence the rate of heat transfer by conduction.
Convection is a heat transfer method that involves the movement of mass, such as the flow of air or liquid, caused by the rising of warmer fluid and the sinking of cooler fluid. It is often observed in boiling water, weather systems, and heating systems.
Radiation refers to the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves. This form of heat transfer does not require a medium, meaning it can occur even in a vacuum, like the heat from the Sun reaching the Earth.