What type of energy transfer involves the flow of heat through direct contact?

The flow of heat through direct contact is known as conduction. This process occurs at the molecular level when two objects at different temperatures come into contact with one another. The faster-moving molecules in the warmer object collide with the slower-moving molecules in the cooler object, transferring energy in the form of heat until thermal equilibrium is reached. This mode of heat transfer is commonly observed in solids, where the molecules are closely packed, allowing efficient energy transfer through direct contact.

Contrast this with the other forms of heat transfer: radiation involves heat transfer through electromagnetic waves and does not require a medium; convection refers to the movement of heat through fluids (liquids or gases) via the movement of the fluid itself, which includes bulk motion; and advection specifically describes the transfer of heat by the horizontal movement of air or water, distinguishing it from convection, which can include vertical movements as well. Therefore, conduction is uniquely characterized by the direct contact mechanism of heat transfer.