Which of the following lists correctly identifies the three primary mechanisms by which heat is transferred?

• A. Convection, fusion, and fission
• B. Conduction, convection, and radiation
• C. Conduction, evaporation, and condensation
• D. Radiation, insulation, and absorption

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that heat transfer occurs through three primary mechanisms: conduction, convection, and radiation.
2. Conduction is the transfer of heat through direct contact between molecules in a solid or between objects in contact.
3. Convection involves the movement of heat by the physical movement of fluids (liquids or gases), where warmer parts of the fluid rise and cooler parts sink.
4. Radiation is the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves, which can occur even through a vacuum without the need for a medium.
5. Identify that fusion, fission, evaporation, condensation, insulation, and absorption are not primary heat transfer mechanisms but relate to other physical processes.