Heat transfer occurs through three main mechanisms: conduction, convection, and radiation. Each mechanism has distinct characteristics and is influenced by different factors.

Conduction is the transfer of heat through direct contact between objects or substances. When a metal spoon is placed in a hot cup of tea, for example, the heat from the tea is conducted to the spoon, making it warm. The rate of conduction depends on the thermal conductivity of the materials involved. Materials with higher thermal conductivity, such as metal, conduct heat more efficiently.

Convection involves the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids, such as air or water. When you boil water in a pot, the hot water rises to the top while the cool water sinks to the bottom, creating a convection current. This process distributes heat throughout the pot. Convection is influenced by factors like the velocity of the fluid and the temperature gradient.

Radiation is the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves. Unlike conduction and convection, radiation does not require direct contact or a medium to transfer heat. The sun's rays, for example, heat the Earth through radiation. Surfaces that absorb or emit heat well, such as dark-colored or matte surfaces, are good radiators. On the other hand, shiny or light-colored surfaces reflect heat and are poor radiators.