When a warm hand is immersed in water that is 70°F (21°C), heat is transferred from the hand to the water through a process called:

When a warm hand is immersed in water that is 70°F (21°C), heat is transferred from the hand to the water through a process called:

• A. A. Convection.
• B. B. Evaporation.
• C. C. Conduction.
• D. D. Radiation.

Answer: (C)

The process by which heat is transferred from the warm hand to the cooler water is known as conduction. Conduction occurs when heat moves through a solid material or between materials in direct contact with each other. In this case, the hand, which is at a higher temperature, transfers its thermal energy directly to the water upon contact. Conduction is characterized by the transfer of energy through molecular interactions. The molecules in the warm hand vibrate more quickly due to higher thermal energy and transfer that energy to the cooler water molecules, causing the water to warm slightly. This process continues as long as there is a temperature difference between the two surfaces in contact. In contrast, convection involves the movement of heat through fluids (liquids or gases) caused by the motion of the fluid itself and is not applicable to this situation, as the hand and water are not creating fluid currents. Evaporation refers to the process where liquid turns into vapor, which does not take place in this case. Radiation involves the transfer of heat in the form of electromagnetic waves and does not require direct contact or a medium, making it irrelevant here as well. Thus, conduction is the accurate term to describe the heat transfer occurring in this scenario.

The process by which heat is transferred from the warm hand to the cooler water is known as conduction. Conduction occurs when heat moves through a solid material or between materials in direct contact with each other. In this case, the hand, which is at a higher temperature, transfers its thermal energy directly to the water upon contact.

Conduction is characterized by the transfer of energy through molecular interactions. The molecules in the warm hand vibrate more quickly due to higher thermal energy and transfer that energy to the cooler water molecules, causing the water to warm slightly. This process continues as long as there is a temperature difference between the two surfaces in contact.

In contrast, convection involves the movement of heat through fluids (liquids or gases) caused by the motion of the fluid itself and is not applicable to this situation, as the hand and water are not creating fluid currents. Evaporation refers to the process where liquid turns into vapor, which does not take place in this case. Radiation involves the transfer of heat in the form of electromagnetic waves and does not require direct contact or a medium, making it irrelevant here as well. Thus, conduction is the accurate term to describe the heat transfer occurring in this scenario.