Question

which of the following statements about radiation is true?
a. radiation is the only form of heat transfer that can travel through the vacuum of space.
b. radiation is the only form of heat transfer that is unable to travel through the vacuum of space.
c. radiation is the only form of heat transfer that is not experienced on earth.
d. radiation is the only form of heat transfer that is experienced on earth.

Explanation:

There are three main forms of heat transfer: conduction, convection, and radiation. Conduction requires a material medium (solid, liquid or gas) for heat - transfer. Convection also requires a fluid medium (liquid or gas). Radiation, however, can travel through a vacuum as it is a form of electromagnetic wave propagation. Radiation is also experienced on Earth (e.g., heat from the Sun reaches Earth via radiation).

Answer:

A. Radiation is the only form of heat transfer that can travel through the vacuum of space.