The glow of the sun would be an example of what type of heat transfer?

Prepare for the GCAP Operator 1 Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each offering hints and explanations. Boost your confidence and readiness!

The glow of the sun exemplifies radiation, which is the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves. In this process, energy travels through the vacuum of space without the need for direct contact between objects or the presence of a medium. The sunlight we perceive is an example of radiant energy emitted by the sun, and when it reaches the Earth, it warms the planet.

Conduction and convection involve heat transfer through different mechanisms. Conduction requires direct contact between materials, allowing heat to pass from one particle to another. Convection involves the movement of fluids (liquids or gases) where warmer areas rise and cooler areas sink, creating a circulation pattern that transfers heat. Since the sunlight reaches us through empty space, the type of heat transfer occurring in this scenario is distinctly radiation.

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