20 Physics -- Rate of Heat Flow

Explain the transfer of heat by conduction, convection and radiation with examples. b) State their applications in daily life c)How much heat per day is lost by conduction through a concerete wall,  whose area is 100m^2 and thickness is 0.25m. The inside temperature is 12.5 degree celsi...

Explain the transfer of heat by conduction, convection and radiation with examples. 

b) State their applications in daily life 

c)How much heat per day is lost by conduction through a concerete wall,  whose area is 100m^2 and thickness is 0.25m. The inside temperature is 12.5 degree celsius and outside is 0 degree celsius. [Thermal conductivity for concrete is 0.002 cal sec-1 cm-1 C^-1]

Heat transfer is the movement of thermal energy from one object or substance to another. The three types of heat transfer are conduction, convection, and radiation. Each type of heat transfer has its own specific characteristics and applications in our daily lives.

Conduction: Conduction is the transfer of heat from one substance to another through direct contact, such as when a hot pan is placed on a cold surface. The heat is transferred from the hotter object to the cooler one until they reach the same temperature. Examples of conduction in daily life include cooking with a metal pot, ironing clothes, and touching a hot stove.

Applications of conduction in daily life:

  • Cooking utensils such as pots and pans
  • Radiators in homes
  • Heat exchangers in car engines
  • Heating pads for sore muscles

Convection: Convection is the transfer of heat by the movement of a fluid, such as air or water. The fluid carries the heat away from the source and distributes it throughout the space.Examples of convection in daily life include boiling water in a pot, heating a room with a space heater, and feeling a breeze on a hot day.

  • Applications of convection in daily life:
  • Air conditioning and heating systems
  • Radiators in homes Boilers in homes
  • Fans and blowers

Radiation: Radiation is the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves, such as light, infrared radiation, or radio waves. This type of heat transfer does not require any medium, such as air or water, and can travel through a vacuum. Examples of radiation in daily life include feeling the warmth of the sun, using a microwave oven to cook food, and sitting by a fire.

Applications of radiation in daily life:

  • Cooking with a microwave
  • Infrared heaters
  • Solar panels
  • X-rays and other medical imaging techniques


In conclusion, conduction, convection, and radiation are all important types of heat transfer that play a role in our daily lives. Understanding how heat is transferred can help us to better design and use heating and cooling systems, as well as improve the efficiency of energy use in our daily activities.


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