Question

Transfer of thermal energy can occur through three modes: convection, conduction, and radiation. What best distinguishes the transfer of thermal energy by conduction?

a) Movement of fluid
b) Direct contact of particles
c) Electromagnetic waves
d) Circular motion

Answer 1

The transfer of thermal energy by conduction is best distinguished by the direct contact of particles, allowing heat to pass from one to another through stationary matter.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best distinction for the transfer of thermal energy by conduction is (b) Direct contact of particles. Conduction is the heat transfer through stationary matter by physical contact. For example, when heat is transferred from the burner of a stove through the bottom of a pan to the food in the pan, it is through conduction.

Contrary to conduction, convection involves the heat transfer by the macroscopic movement of a fluid, and radiation involves heat transfer by electromagnetic waves. It is the direct contact and interaction between particles that allows heat to be conducted, with energy being transferred from the hotter to the cooler particles without any overall mass flow.