how is radiation different from convection and conduction?
Radiation can travel through solids is what i'm thinking.
Radiatioin can travel through space. Conduction travels through solids and to some extent liquids.
Radiation, convection, and conduction are three different mechanisms by which heat can be transferred. Let me explain each one to you:
1. Radiation: Radiation is the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves. Unlike conduction and convection, radiation does not require a medium to travel through. This means that radiation can occur in vacuum as well. For example, heat from the Sun reaching the Earth is transferred through radiation. Additionally, radiation can travel through solids, liquids, and gases.
2. Conduction: Conduction is the transfer of heat through direct contact between objects or particles. In solids, heat is transferred by the vibration of molecules within the material. When one object is hotter than another, the energy is transferred from the hot object to the colder object through direct physical contact. An example of conduction is when you touch a hot object, and heat gets transferred from the object to your hand.
3. Convection: Convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids (liquids or gases). It involves the circulation or bulk movement of the heated fluid, which carries heat away from the source. Warm air rising and cool air sinking is an example of natural convection. Another common example is the heating of water in a kettle. The heat from the bottom of the kettle causes the water to become less dense and rise, while the cooler water sinks and replaces it.
So, radiation can indeed travel through solids, but it is important to note that all three mechanisms can occur in solids, liquids, and gases.