What are the three processes that transfer heat energy?

The three processes that transfer heat energy are conduction, convection, and radiation.

Conduction is the process where heat is transferred through direct contact between materials. For example, when you touch a hot surface, the heat moves from that surface to your skin through conduction. This process occurs at the molecular level, as faster-moving molecules collide with slower-moving ones, transferring energy.

Convection involves the movement of heat through fluids (liquids or gases) caused by the fluid's motion. As a fluid is heated, it becomes less dense and rises, while cooler, denser fluid sinks. This creates a convection current that helps distribute heat throughout the space. A common example is how warm air rises near a heater and is replaced by cooler air, creating a circulation pattern.

Radiation is the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves, and it does not require a medium to travel through. This is how the sun warms the Earth; the heat travels through the vacuum of space via infrared radiation.

Understanding these three processes is fundamental for HVAC applications, as efficient heating and cooling systems often use various methods to transfer heat, ensuring comfort and energy efficiency. Other options presented involve processes that do not accurately reflect the main modes of heat transfer, focusing instead on specific actions or