Which heat transfer method involves contact between materials?

The correct method of heat transfer that involves direct contact between materials is conduction. This process occurs when two objects at different temperatures are in physical contact with each other, allowing thermal energy to flow from the hotter object to the cooler one. The movement of heat in conduction is due to the collisions of molecules and atoms in the material that transfer energy.

For instance, when a metal spoon is placed in a hot pot of soup, the heat from the soup transfers to the spoon by conduction, warming it up. The effectiveness of conduction depends on the properties of the materials involved; for example, metals are generally good conductors of heat while insulators like wood or rubber conduct heat poorly.

In contrast, radiation is the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves without the need for a medium, such as solar energy warming the earth. Convection involves the movement of fluids (liquids and gases) transferring heat through the circulation of the fluid itself, like warm air rising and cool air sinking. Infiltration refers to the process of air passing into a building through cracks and openings, which isn't a method of heat transfer between materials.