|
Let's Talk about Radiation & Heat Transfer
Radiation: Electromagnetic waves that directly transport ENERGY through space. Sunlight is a form of radiation that is
radiated through space to our planet without the aid of fluids or solids. The energy travels through nothingness! Just think
of it! The sun transfers heat through 93 million miles of space. Because there are no solids
touching the sun and our planet, conduction is not responsible for bringing heat to Earth. Since there are no fluids
(like air and water) in space, convection is not responsible for transferring the heat. Thus, radiation brings heat to our
planet.
|
 |
|
|
Now On To Convection and What it Does!
Convection is the transfer of heat by the actual movement of the warmed matter. Heat leaves a coffee cup as the currents
of steam and air rise. Convection is the transfer of heat energy in a gas or liquid by movement of currents. (It can also
happen is some solids, like sand.) The heat moves with the fluid.
|
|
|
|
|
Finally, Everything You Need to Know about Conduction!
Conduction is the transfer of energy through matter from particle to particle. It is the transfer and distribution of heat
energy from atom to atom within a substance. For example, a spoon in a cup of hot soup becomes warmer because the heat from
the soup is conducted along the spoon. Conduction is most effective in solids-but it can happen in fluids. Fun fact: Have
you ever noticed that metals tend to feel cold? Believe it or not, they are not colder! They only feel colder because they
conduct heat away from your hand. You perceive the heat that is leaving your hand as cold.
|
|
|
|
|
