Which term describes the transfer of thermal energy through direct contact?

The transfer of thermal energy through direct contact is accurately described as conduction. This process occurs when two objects at different temperatures come into direct contact; thermal energy moves from the hotter object to the cooler one until they reach thermal equilibrium. Conduction is the primary method of heat transfer in solids, especially in metals, where tightly packed molecules can easily transfer energy by colliding with each other.

In contrast, convection refers to the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids (liquids and gases) due to differences in temperature and density, while radiation involves the transfer of heat in the form of electromagnetic waves, which does not require a medium. Transmission generally refers to the passage of energy through a medium and is not specifically tied to thermal energy transfer in the context requested. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for grasping concepts related to thermal energy management and safety in various applications.