Final answer:
Conduction is the transfer of heat between two objects in direct contact, occurring when the objects are in thermal contact. The rate of heat transfer through conduction is influenced by factors such as temperature difference, contact area, and the conductivity of the materials involved.
Step-by-step explanation:
Conduction is the process of heat transfer through direct contact between two objects. It is important to note that for conduction to occur, the objects must be in thermal contact. This means they must physically touch each other in a manner that allows the transfer of thermal energy. For example, when you hold a glass of ice water, the heat from your hand is conducted to the glass, which in turn melts the ice. In another scenario, warming your hands by holding a hot mug on a cold day also demonstrates conduction. Certain materials, such as metals like copper or aluminum, are excellent conductors, while others like wood and plastic are poor conductors of heat.
The rate of heat conduction is depicted by the expression Q/t = KA(T₂-T₁)/d, where 'Q/t' represents the heat transfer per unit of time, 'K' the conductivity of the material, 'A' the contact area between the objects, '(T₂-T₁)' the temperature difference, and 'd' the distance or thickness of material between the hotter and colder regions within the objects. Heat energy moves from high-temperature areas to low-temperature areas by particle collisions, leading to a net flux of heat until thermal equilibrium is reached.