Which term denotes the transfer of heat through matter by direct particle contact between molecules?

Which term denotes the transfer of heat through matter by direct particle contact between molecules?

• A. Convection
• B. Conduction
• C. Radiation
• D. Isostasy

Answer: (B)

Conduction is the transfer of heat through matter by direct contact between particles. When one region is hotter, its particles have more kinetic energy and collide with neighboring particles, passing some of that energy along. In solids, this happens as vibrating molecules transfer energy to adjacent ones, and in metals, free electrons move rapidly and carry energy quickly through the material. That’s why a metal rod heats up along its length when one end is heated. This differs from convection, which needs the bulk movement of a fluid to transfer heat, and from radiation, which transfers energy as electromagnetic waves without requiring direct contact. Isostasy is unrelated to heat transfer, describing the balance of Earth's crust. The best term for the given description is conduction.

Conduction is the transfer of heat through matter by direct contact between particles. When one region is hotter, its particles have more kinetic energy and collide with neighboring particles, passing some of that energy along. In solids, this happens as vibrating molecules transfer energy to adjacent ones, and in metals, free electrons move rapidly and carry energy quickly through the material. That’s why a metal rod heats up along its length when one end is heated. This differs from convection, which needs the bulk movement of a fluid to transfer heat, and from radiation, which transfers energy as electromagnetic waves without requiring direct contact. Isostasy is unrelated to heat transfer, describing the balance of Earth's crust. The best term for the given description is conduction.