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.
📊 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 |
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
Examples
wood, plastic, glass, air, wool
Fluid is heated
particles gain kinetic energy → move faster → spread out