A student wants to show the transfer of heat energy without matter. Which investigation design would best help the student?
a
an investigation of conduction through the movement of particles through a solid
b
an investigation of radiation through electromagnetic waves
c
an investigation of conduction through collisions between particles in space
d
an investigation of radiation through a current in a fluid
b. an investigation of radiation through electromagnetic waves
Radiation is the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves and does not require matter to transfer energy. It can occur across empty space, as evidenced by the warmth felt from the sun, despite the vacuum of space between the sun and Earth. This option best represents the transfer of heat energy without the involvement of matter. Options a, c, and d all involve the movement or interaction of particles, which is not what the student is trying to demonstrate.