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 substance taking in another substance (like a sponge absorbing water), not a heat - transfer mechanism.
• Radiation: Is heat transfer via electromagnetic waves (e.g., heat from the sun). There is no such wave - based heat transfer in the spoon - water scenario.
• Convection: Involves the movement of fluids (liquids or gases) due to temperature differences (e.g., hot air rising). The spoon - water heat transfer is not due to fluid movement.
• Conduction: Is heat transfer through direct contact. The spoon is in direct contact with the hot water, and heat is transferred from the water to the spoon through the vibrating molecules in contact.

Answer:

conduction