This diagram covers Comparing the Three Methods within Heat Transfer for GCSE Physics. Revise Heat Transfer in Energy for GCSE Physics with 14 exam-style questions and 11 flashcards. Use this page as part of a wider topic revision path rather than treating it as an isolated fact. It is section 7 of 17 in this topic. Focus on the labels, the relationships between parts, and the explanation that turns the diagram into an exam-ready answer.
Topic position
Section 7 of 17
Practice
14 questions
Recall
11 flashcards
📊 Comparing the Three Methods
SUMMARY: CONDUCTION vs CONVECTION vs RADIATION
| Property | CONDUCTION | CONVECTION | RADIATION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Works in | Mainly SOLIDS (best in metals) | LIQUIDS & GASES (fluids only) | ALL states + VACUUM |
| How it works | Vibrations pass particle to particle (+free electrons in metals) | Hot fluid rises, cold fluid sinks (density change) | Infrared EM waves travel (no particles needed) |
| Particles move? | NO (vibrate in position) | YES (whole fluid moves) | NO particles involved |
| Example | Metal spoon in hot drink | Hot air balloon rising | Sun warming the Earth |
Keep building this topic
Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Heat Transfer. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.
Practice Questions for Heat Transfer
Which method of thermal energy transfer occurs mainly in solids?
Explain how a convection current forms when the base of a fluid is heated.
Quick Recall Flashcards
14 questions on Heat Transfer — practise free
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