Energy is transferred through three distinct methods: conduction, convection, and radiation.
Conduction
Conduction is the transfer of energy through a material by direct contact. This occurs when warmer molecules vibrate and bump into neighboring cooler molecules, transferring some of their energy. This is most effective in solids.
Convection
Convection involves the transfer of energy through the movement of liquids or gases. When a fluid (liquid or gas) is heated, it becomes less dense and rises, carrying the energy with it. Cooler, denser fluid then sinks to take its place, creating a convection current.
Radiation
Radiation is the transfer of energy through electromagnetic waves. This method does not require a medium and can travel through a vacuum, such as space. The sun, for example, transfers energy to Earth through radiation.
Even in isolated systems like Earth, energy is constantly being exchanged via radiation.
