Heat moves in three distinct ways: particles, currents, and waves
In short: Understand the fundamental physics of how energy travels. This video breaks down the three primary methods of heat transfer—conduction, convection, and radiation—explaining how they differ in medium and mechanism.
Heat energy moves through three distinct processes. Conduction occurs in solids when vibrating particles collide, making it most effective in dense materials. Thermal conductivity determines whether a substance acts as a conductor or an insulator.
In fluids like liquids and gases, convection takes over as heated particles become less dense and rise, creating circular currents. Radiation is the outlier; it uses infrared waves to travel through a vacuum, such as the space between the Sun and the Earth, without requiring any particles at all.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: GCSE Physics - Conduction, Convection & Radiation | How Heat Energy is Transferred (2027/28 exams)
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