Question

which type of heat transfer causes a spoon to become warm when it is placed in a cup of hot water?
absorption
radiation
convection
conduction

Explanation:

• Absorption: Refers to a material taking in light or other forms of energy, not the main heat - transfer mechanism here.
• Radiation: Is heat transfer via electromagnetic waves (e.g., heat from the sun). No such waves are the main cause for the spoon warming.
• Convection: Involves the movement of fluids (liquids or gases) to transfer heat. While water is a fluid, the direct contact between the spoon and water (a solid - liquid contact) is more relevant.
• Conduction: Is heat transfer through direct contact between materials. The spoon (solid) is in direct contact with the hot water (liquid), and heat is transferred from the hot water to the spoon through molecular collisions (a characteristic of conduction).

Answer:

conduction