Which energy transfer travels in light waves?

Which energy transfer travels in light waves?

• A. Conduction
• B. Radiation
• C. Convection
• D. Heat

Answer: (B)

Radiation is the energy transfer that travels in light waves. Light is an electromagnetic wave, so it can carry energy through space, even in a vacuum, without needing matter to move the energy along. Conduction transfers energy via direct contact and particle interactions within a solid or between touching objects. Convection moves energy through the bulk motion of a fluid, like air or water forming currents. Heat is the general term for energy in transit due to a temperature difference and can occur by radiation, conduction, or convection; it isn’t a method of transfer by itself. So when energy travels specifically as light waves, that transfer is radiation.

Radiation is the energy transfer that travels in light waves. Light is an electromagnetic wave, so it can carry energy through space, even in a vacuum, without needing matter to move the energy along. Conduction transfers energy via direct contact and particle interactions within a solid or between touching objects. Convection moves energy through the bulk motion of a fluid, like air or water forming currents. Heat is the general term for energy in transit due to a temperature difference and can occur by radiation, conduction, or convection; it isn’t a method of transfer by itself. So when energy travels specifically as light waves, that transfer is radiation.