Methods of Heat Transfer

1. Conduction
The transfer of heat from a solid. It can be to any other object, however, it most
commonly occurs between two solids. For example: The heat felt from a particular area
after a hot object is removed.

2. Convection
The transfer of heat from a fluid1. For example: the heat felt on your face while coming in
contact with steam. Or the heat felt from a cup after hot tea is poured inside.

3. Radiation
The most powerful form of heat transfer, often transmitted with electromagnetic waves.
These waves do not need a medium for heat transfer. For example, the method by which a
microwave heats up your food.

Relationship with light

1. Light waves are usually transmitted with heat waves. Hence, objects that are good
absorbers of light waves are good absorbers of heat waves.
1 This is either a liquid or a gas.
 2. A light phenomenon known as mirages, are caused when light rays are diffracted 2
from their original path due to extreme heat. The image seen is very blurry. For
example: objects seen above a hot grill will appear blurry due to the heat present, or
on extremely hot days {such as heatwaves3}, certain areas on bitumen roads will
have mirages.

Relationship with various surfaces

1. Dull surfaces: Heat energy is trapped (absorbed) better by dull coloured objects,
since there are few components which will reflect heat waves.
2. Shiny surfaces: They are good reflectors of heat waves, since the “shiny effect” is
created due to reflection of light waves.
3. White objects: They are good reflectors of heat waves since they are good
reflectors of light.
4. Black objects: They are good reflectors of heat waves since they absorb light very
well. Black is said to be “created” by the absence of light.

2 The bending of waves from their original path.

3 A meteorological term used to describe a period where temperatures will be extremely high.