Conduction is a method of heat transfer that occurs when heat energy is transferred from one object to another through direct contact. In this process, the molecules in the hotter object vibrate and collide with the molecules in the cooler object, transferring their kinetic energy and causing the cooler object to heat up.
Conduction is most effective in solids, as the molecules are closely packed together and can easily transfer heat energy through direct contact. Metals are particularly good conductors of heat due to their high thermal conductivity.
Some examples of conduction in everyday life include:
- Touching a hot stove and feeling the heat transfer from the stove to your hand - Heating a metal spoon in a hot liquid, causing the spoon to become hot to the touch - Walking barefoot on a hot sidewalk and feeling the heat transfer from the sidewalk to your feet
Overall, conduction is an important method of heat transfer that plays a role in many natural and man-made processes.