The Kinetic Theory Of Matter

THE KINETIC THEORY OF MATTER

When a red hot piece of iron cools down, it transfers energy to its surroundings in three possible ways: conduction, convection or radiation.

Conduction
Heat conduction occurs when kinetic and molecular energy pass from one molecule to another. Metals are good heat conductors because of electrons that transport energy through the material.

Convection
Heat convection results from the motion of the heated substance. Convection is the main mechanism for mixing the atmosphere and diluting pollutants emitted into the air.

Radiation All bodies radiate energy in the form of electromagnetic waves. Radiation may pass across a vacuum, and thus the Earth receives energy radiated from the Sun. A body remains at a constant temperature when it both radiates and receives energy at the same rate.