Which of the following best describes conduction?
A
Conduction is the transfer of thermal energy using waves through space or through a material medium.
B
Conduction is when thermal energy is transferred by the motion of liquids or gases of varying densities.
C
Conduction is the movement of thermal energy directly from one particle to another particle through contact.
D
Conduction is the increase in thermal energy created by the restriction of the movement of energy particles.
C. Conduction is the movement of thermal energy directly from one particle to another particle through contact.
C
Conduction is the movement of thermal energy directly from one particle to another particle through contact.
To determine which option best describes conduction, let's analyze each choice:
A) Conduction is the transfer of thermal energy using waves through space or through a material medium.
This option is incorrect because conduction is not associated with the transfer of thermal energy through waves.
B) Conduction is when thermal energy is transferred by the motion of liquids or gases of varying densities.
This option is not accurate. The transfer of thermal energy through the motion of liquids or gases of varying densities is known as convection, not conduction.
C) Conduction is the movement of thermal energy directly from one particle to another particle through contact.
This option correctly describes conduction. Conduction involves the transfer of thermal energy through direct contact between particles, where energy is transferred from a higher energy particle to a lower energy particle.
D) Conduction is the increase in thermal energy created by the restriction of the movement of energy particles.
This option is incorrect as it does not accurately explain conduction. Conduction involves the transfer of thermal energy and does not solely involve an increase in thermal energy by restricting the movement of energy particles.
Therefore, option C best describes conduction as it accurately explains the movement of thermal energy between particles through direct contact.