What describes conduction in terms of heat transfer?

Conduction is accurately described as the transfer of heat through direct contact at the molecular level. This process occurs when two objects at different temperatures come into contact, allowing heat to flow from the hotter object to the cooler one. The energy transfer happens as molecules in the hotter object vibrate more rapidly and collide with neighboring molecules in the cooler object, resulting in a transfer of kinetic energy.

This mechanism is fundamental in various everyday scenarios, such as heating one end of a metal rod and feeling the heat at the other end after some time. It is important to note that this transfer of heat continues until thermal equilibrium is achieved, meaning both objects reach the same temperature.

The other concepts listed refer to different modes of heat transfer: radiation involves the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves, convection involves the movement of fluids and the transfer of heat via currents in the fluid, and conduction specifically relates to direct molecular contact. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify how heat is transferred in different contexts.