Physics – 2.3.2 Convection | e-Consult

Thermal energy is transferred from the water to the metal block primarily through conduction. Conduction is the transfer of heat through direct contact between particles. Since the metal block is in direct contact with the water, heat energy is transferred from the more energetic water molecules to the less energetic metal molecules.

While convection does occur in the water surrounding the metal block, it is not the primary method of heat transfer to the metal. The water's convection currents are driven by a heat source (e.g., a radiator or a heater). In this scenario, the water is at a constant temperature, so there is no significant temperature difference to drive convection currents within the water itself. The heat is transferred directly through the metal via conduction.

Other methods of thermal energy transfer considered (and why they are not primary here):

• Radiation: Heat transfer via electromagnetic waves. While some radiation will occur, it is less significant than conduction in this scenario because the metal is in direct contact with the water.
• Convection: As explained above, convection is not the primary method of heat transfer from the water to the metal when the water is at a constant temperature.