Which of the following is NOT a form of heat transfer?

Heat transfer occurs through various mechanisms, and understanding these mechanisms is crucial in the context of building science and energy efficiency. Conduction, convection, and radiation are all primary forms of heat transfer.

Conduction involves the transfer of heat through materials, where heat moves from higher to lower temperature areas within a solid or between solid objects in contact. For example, if you touch a warm metal surface, heat transfers from the metal to your skin through conduction.

Convection describes the transfer of heat through fluids (liquids and gases). In convection, warmer areas of a fluid rise while cooler areas sink, creating a circulation pattern. This process is commonly observed in heating systems and the movement of air inside buildings, where warm air from heaters rises and cooler air descends.

Radiation, on the other hand, is heat transfer through electromagnetic waves. All objects emit radiation, and this method does not require a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) to occur. The warmth felt from sunlight or a fireplace is a common example of radiation.

Evaporation, while it is a method of heat transfer, specifically describes the process of liquid turning into vapor, which absorbs heat from the surroundings. This phase change can lead to a cooling effect, but it does not