Question

Conduction is a method of energy transfer within Earth’s systems. Describe an example of conduction, including where the energy transfer takes place and how conduction occurs.

Answer 1

Conduction is the transfer of thermal energy from one molecule to another within an object. Conduction also happens between two objects in direct contact if they have different temperatures. The hotter molecule vibrates because of the added heat. This vibration and movement transfer the energy to the surrounding molecules. The transfer of energy continues until all the molecules have the same temperature.

Conduction takes place in solids, liquids, and gases. However, it happens fastest in solids because the molecules in solids are closely packed.