What is the heat transfer by direct contact with solid materials called?

Heat transfer by direct contact with solid materials is known as conduction. This process occurs when heat moves from one material to another through physical contact, typically involving the transfer of energy between adjacent molecules or atoms. For instance, when a metal rod is placed in a flame, the heat from the flame is conducted along the rod, making it warmer.

Conduction is different from convection, which involves heat transfer through fluids (gases or liquids) where the fluid movement facilitates the transfer of heat, and radiation, which is the transfer of heat in the form of electromagnetic waves without requiring a medium. Sparking is not a recognized method of heat transfer; rather, it often refers to the discharge of electricity or the ignition of materials, which involves combustion rather than the transfer of thermal energy. Understanding conduction is essential in contexts such as fire safety, as it helps determine how heat spreads through materials in different scenarios, such as during a fire.