Modes of Transferring Heat

Thermodynamics Directory | Heat Transfer Directory

Modes of Transferring Heat Thermodynamics

Heat is always transferred when a temperature difference exists between two bodies. There are three basic modes of heat transfer:

Conduction involves the transfer of heat by the interactions of atoms or molecules of a material through which the heat is being transferred.

Convection involves the transfer of heat by the mixing and motion of macroscopic portions of a fluid.

Radiation, or radiant heat transfer, involves the transfer of heat by electromagnetic radiation that arises due to the temperature of a body.

The three modes of heat transfer will be discussed in greater detail in the subsequent chapters of this module.