Source: Extra Practice

When a campfire is burning, you can feel its warmth even if you are not touching the flames. Which two modes of heat transfer are primarily responsible for you feeling the warmth from a distance?

Options

Option A

Conduction and Convection

Option B

Conduction and Radiation

Option C is correct

Convection and Radiation

Option D

Absorption and Conduction

Explanation

You feel the warmth from a campfire primarily through convection and radiation. The hot air above the fire rises and spreads, carrying heat through convection. The fire also emits infrared radiation which travels through the air directly to you, warming your skin. Conduction requires direct physical contact with the heat source or an intermediary object.