What are the three types of heat transfer?

The three types of heat transfer are conduction, convection, and radiation.

Conduction is the process by which heat is transferred through solids. When two objects at different temperatures are in direct contact, heat moves from the hotter object to the cooler one until thermal equilibrium is reached. This is particularly important in fire protection as it can affect how heat spreads through building materials and structures.

Convection pertains to the transfer of heat in fluids (liquids and gases) through the movement of the fluid itself. As a fluid is heated, it becomes less dense and rises, while cooler fluid takes its place. This process can drive the movement of smoke and heat in a fire scenario, significantly influencing fire dynamics.

Radiation is the transfer of heat in the form of electromagnetic waves, including infrared radiation. This type of heat transfer does not require a medium, meaning it can occur through a vacuum. In fire protection, understanding radiation is crucial because it can cause materials at a distance from the fire to ignite, beyond the immediate reach of convection currents.

The other choices involve concepts that do not align with the standard definitions of heat transfer. For instance, evaporation and condensation relate to phase changes of substances, while induction and insulation deal with electrical concepts and thermal resistance, respectively