What is the term for the transfer of heat without the movement of matter?

What is the term for the transfer of heat without the movement of matter?

• A. Conduction
• B. Convection
• C. Radiation
• D. All of the above

Answer: (A)

The correct term for the transfer of heat without the movement of matter is radiation. Radiation refers to the process where energy is emitted in the form of electromagnetic waves, which can travel through a vacuum without needing a medium. This distinguishes it from conduction and convection. Conduction is the heat transfer that occurs through direct contact between materials, where energy is passed from one particle to another, requiring matter to be present. Convection involves the bulk movement of a fluid (liquid or gas) that carries heat with it, meaning it also necessitates the movement of matter to transfer thermal energy. Thus, while conduction and convection involve the movement or interaction of matter, radiation operates independently of matter, making it the correct choice for describing heat transfer without the involvement of material movement.

The correct term for the transfer of heat without the movement of matter is radiation. Radiation refers to the process where energy is emitted in the form of electromagnetic waves, which can travel through a vacuum without needing a medium. This distinguishes it from conduction and convection.

Conduction is the heat transfer that occurs through direct contact between materials, where energy is passed from one particle to another, requiring matter to be present. Convection involves the bulk movement of a fluid (liquid or gas) that carries heat with it, meaning it also necessitates the movement of matter to transfer thermal energy.

Thus, while conduction and convection involve the movement or interaction of matter, radiation operates independently of matter, making it the correct choice for describing heat transfer without the involvement of material movement.