Conduction, Convection and Radiation

Heat moves in three ways. Conduction passes heat through solids by particles bumping into each other. Radiation carries heat as waves, like sunshine.

Each method explains everyday things, such as a hot spoon, a warm room and the warmth of the Sun.

Conduction is the movement of heat through a solid, such as when a metal spoon in a hot drink becomes warm. The particles in the spoon bump into each other and pass the energy along.

Convection happens in liquids and gases. Warm, less dense fluid rises and cooler, denser fluid sinks, which creates a loop of movement. This is how a room heater warms the air. The heat from the Sun reaches us by radiation through empty space.