Convection, Conduction, and Radiation Heat Transfer Convection, Conduction, and Radiation

On a chilly night, we gather around a campfire to warm our hands and feet. How is heat transferred in this example?

Radiation Why would getting warm by a campfire be an example of radiation? The transfer of electromagnetic waves occurs at a distance through the air between the fire and the person sitting near it. When the electromagnetic waves come in contact with an object, waves transfer heat to the object.

Fire heats the air inside a hot air balloon Fire heats the air inside a hot air balloon. Then the balloon rises high into the sky. How is heat transferred in this example?

Convection Why would a hot air balloon rising be an example of convection? Convection is the up and down movement of gases and liquids caused by heat transfer. Air is a mixture of gases. As gases are heated, they warm, expand, and rise.

I am going to heat up my leftovers in the microwave I am going to heat up my leftovers in the microwave. How is heat transferred in this example?

Radiation Why would heating food in a microwave oven be an example of radiation? The transfer of electromagnetic waves occurs at a distance through air inside the microwave oven. When the electromagnetic waves come in contact with food, waves transfer heat to the food.

An electric blanket will make my bed cozy and warm on long winter nights. How is heat transferred in this example?

Conduction Why would placing an electric blanket on a bed be an example of conduction? The electric blanket is in direct contact with the bed. Heat is transferred because the objects are touching.

Brrr! The first floor of the apartment building feels cooler than the upper floors. How is heat transferred in this example?

Convection Why would lower floors of an apartment building feeling cool be an example of convection? Convection is the up and down movement of gases and liquids caused by heat transfer. Air is a mixture of gases. As gases are heated, they warm, expand, and rise.

While visiting the beach, the sea breeze blows across my face While visiting the beach, the sea breeze blows across my face. How is heat transferred in this example?

Convection Why would a sea breeze at the beach be an example of convection? Convection is the up and down movement of gases and liquids caused by heat transfer. Air is a mixture of gases. As gases are heated, they warm, expand, and rise.

Be careful when picking up that cup of coffee. It’s hot Be careful when picking up that cup of coffee. It’s hot! How is heat transferred in this example?

Conduction Why would picking up a cup of hot coffee be an example of conduction? The hot coffee is in direct contact with the cup. When the cup is picked up, it will be in direct contact with your hand. Heat is transferred through objects that are touching.

That lamp has been on for a while because it feels warm when I put my hand near the light bulb. How is heat transferred in this example?

Radiation Why would a warm light bulb be an example of radiation? The transfer of electromagnetic waves occurs at a distance through air between the light bulb and your hand. When the electromagnetic waves come in contact with your hand, waves transfer heat to it.

You should use sunscreen lotion at the beach to avoid getting a nasty sunburn. How is heat transferred in this example?

Radiation Why would getting a sunburn be an example of radiation? The transfer of electromagnetic waves occurs at a distance through space and air between the Sun and your skin. When the electromagnetic waves come in contact with your skin, waves transfer heat to it causing a possible sunburn.

The water in the lake felt warm, but as I swam deeper, it felt cold The water in the lake felt warm, but as I swam deeper, it felt cold. How is heat transferred in this example?

Convection Why would water feeling cooler deeper in the lake be an example of convection? Convection is the up and down movement of gases and liquids caused by heat transfer. Water is a liquid. As liquids are heated, they warm, expand, and rise.

Ouch. I got burned when I touched the stove Ouch! I got burned when I touched the stove. How is heat transferred in this example?

Conduction Why would getting burned when touching a hot stove be an example of conduction? Your hand is in direct contact with the stove. Heat is transferred through objects that are touching.

I left a metal spoon in a pot of boiling water and now the spoon is too hot to touch. How is heat transferred in this example?

Conduction Why would a metal spoon left in a pot of boiling water be an example of conduction? Metal is a good conductor. The metal spoon is in direct contact with the boiling water and pot. Heat is transferred through objects that are touching.