What is the process called when heat is transferred through direct contact?

The process of heat transfer through direct contact is known as conduction. This occurs when two objects at different temperatures touch each other, allowing thermal energy to flow from the hotter object to the cooler one. For example, when you touch a metal spoon that has been sitting in a hot pot of soup, the heat from the spoon transfers to your hand through conduction, which is characterized by the movement of heat through a material without the bulk movement of the material itself.

Convection refers to heat transfer that occurs in fluids (liquids and gases) due to the movement of the fluid itself, which carries heat with it as it circulates. Radiation involves the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves and does not require a medium, allowing heat to be transferred through a vacuum, such as sunlight warming the Earth. Flame transfer, while not a standard term in heat transfer, likely refers to the movement of flame or the transfer of heat through the combustion process, which is distinct from the direct contact mechanism of conduction.