Difference Between Conduction, Convection and Radiation

August 6, 2024

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The processes by which heat transfer takes place are just as fascinating as the consequences it has on a system. Heat transmission happens whenever there is a temperature differential. Heat transfer can happen quickly, like through a cooking pan, or slowly, like through the walls of an ice chest for a picnic. By selecting materials (such as heavy wool clothes during the winter), regulating airflow (by using weather stripping around doors), or selecting colors, we can reduce the rate of heat transmission (such as a white roof to reflect summer sunlight). It is difficult to envisage a situation in which there is no heat transfer because heat transfer is a part of so many processes.

Table of Contents

Conduction

In general, conduction is the process of energy being transferred from one medium particle to another, but in this case, each medium particle maintains its own position. Conduction is primarily understood in Physics or Chemistry to refer to the movement of thermal energy or an electric charge through a substance. Gasses, liquids, and solids can all conduct.

Because the molecules are in direct touch with one another when conduction of heat occurs, the heat energy is often passed from one molecule to the other. However, the molecules’ positions remain unchanged. Simply put, they vibrate against one another.

Electrically charged particles in the medium move when electricity is being conducted.

As a result, ions or electrons are often responsible for carrying and moving the electric current.

Convection

Heat is transferred through convection, which is the large-scale movement of molecules inside gasses and liquids. Conduction is used to move heat from the object to the fluid initially, but fluid motion is responsible for the bulk of the heat transfer.

Thermal expansion happens as a result of a fluid being heated from below. The lower, hotter layers of the fluid become less dense. Since colder fluid is denser, we know this. The hotter, less dense portion of the fluid rises because of buoyancy. And the denser, colder fluid takes its place. When this component also heats up and rises to be replaced by the higher, colder layer, the process is repeated. Through convection, heat is transmitted in this manner.

Radiation

Radiation is a mode of heat transfer in which heat is transferred without any medium.

One of the most significant energy sources for the Earth is the Sun. Solar panels use this energy to generate power. These are typically installed to obtain the most solar energy possible. To measure this energy, we typically use the word “intensity,” which we’ll talk about below. The solar panels are mounted at an angle, as you would have seen. They are not simply positioned horizontally on the ground or a roof. How come this is done? This is done to extract the most intense light possible throughout the course of a day.

Differentiations:

Conduction	Convection	Radiation
Direct contact between the objects is how heat is transferred during conduction.	The heat is transferred inside the fluid during convection.	Heat transfer in radiation happens by electromagnetic waves without the use of particles.
The temperature differential causes the heat transfer to occur.	The disparity in densities causes heat transmission.	All things with a temperature higher than experience heat transfer.
Conduction’s rate of heat transfer is slow.	Faster than Conduction	Rate of heat transfer is fastest.
When a solid object is heated, heat is transferred through it.	Heat is transferred by auxiliary objects. For instance, the movement of heat between water and air.	Electromagnetic waves help transport heat.
The law of reflection and refraction is not adhered to.	The law of reflection and refraction is broken by this.	It abides by the reflection and refraction law.C

It is crucial to comprehend the variations between the various heat transport modes because this is a crucial area of thermodynamics.