Heat transfer mode identification: Conduction is the transfer of heat within a body or between bodies in contact when the constituent particles

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: do not move actually (no bulk motion, only energy diffusion)

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Understanding the distinction between conduction, convection, and radiation is foundational. Conduction involves energy transfer through molecular interactions, lattice vibrations, and electron transport without macroscopic motion of the material as a whole.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Solids, liquids, or gases may conduct heat.
  • No bulk flow of the medium in conduction itself.
  • Temperature gradients drive the process.


Concept / Approach:
Conduction follows Fourier’s law: q⃗ = −k ∇T. Energy diffuses from high to low temperature due to microscopic mechanisms. In convection, by contrast, heat transfer accompanies bulk fluid motion; in radiation, energy is transmitted by electromagnetic waves through a participating or vacuum medium.


Step-by-Step Reasoning:

1) Identify presence of bulk motion: if present, the primary mechanism is convection.2) If no bulk motion but temperature gradient exists, heat flows by conduction.3) Recognize radiation as line-of-sight energy exchange independent of material contact.


Verification / Alternative check:
Experiments with still air layers vs. stirred air demonstrate much higher transfer with motion (convection), confirming that conduction alone acts without macroscopic movement.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • (a) Describes convection, not conduction.
  • (c) and (d) are vague and not standard physical descriptions.
  • (e) Conduction does not require or imply forced convection.


Common Pitfalls:
Confusing microscopic molecular motion (always present) with macroscopic bulk flow; conduction concerns the former, not the latter.


Final Answer:
do not move actually (no bulk motion, only energy diffusion)

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