Which method of heat transfer occurs through electromagnetic waves such as sunlight?

Which method of heat transfer occurs through electromagnetic waves such as sunlight?

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

Answer: (B)

Radiation is the transfer of energy by electromagnetic waves, so it can travel through space without needing a medium. That’s why sunlight can heat the Earth even though there’s no air in between—the energy moves as waves. Conduction requires direct contact and energy transfer between neighboring particles in a solid, liquid, or gas. Convection involves the movement of a fluid that carries heat with it. The term heat refers to energy in transit, not a specific method of transfer, so it isn’t the mechanism here.

Radiation is the transfer of energy by electromagnetic waves, so it can travel through space without needing a medium. That’s why sunlight can heat the Earth even though there’s no air in between—the energy moves as waves. Conduction requires direct contact and energy transfer between neighboring particles in a solid, liquid, or gas. Convection involves the movement of a fluid that carries heat with it. The term heat refers to energy in transit, not a specific method of transfer, so it isn’t the mechanism here.