Heat Transfer
Definition
Heat transfer refers to how thermal energy moves from one object or substance to another due to differences in temperature. It can occur through conduction, convection, or radiation.
Analogy
Think of heat transfer like passing a basketball. If you hold the ball and pass it to someone else, the kinetic energy of the ball is transferred from your hand to theirs. Similarly, when objects with different temperatures come into contact, thermal energy flows from the hotter object to the colder one until they reach thermal equilibrium.
Related terms
Conduction: Conduction is the transfer of heat through direct contact between particles or objects.
Convection: Convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids (liquids or gases).
Radiation: Radiation is the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves without requiring a medium for propagation.
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