Alex studied the image shown.

Question

An illustration of a fire and a pair of hands near the fire.
He concluded that the image shows thermal energy being transferred from the flames to the person’s hands through conduction.

Which best explains Alex’s error?

Thermal energy is being transferred from the person’s hands to the flames.
The image does not show thermal energy being transferred because the molecules of two substances or objects are not in direct contact.
The image does not show conduction because the molecules of two substances or objects are not in direct contact.
Thermal energy is being transferred from the surrounding air to the flames.

Answer 1

The best explanation of Alex's error is:

The image does not show conduction because the molecules of two substances or objects are not in direct contact.

In conduction, thermal energy is transferred through direct contact between materials. Since there is air between the flames and the person's hands, the transfer of thermal energy in this scenario primarily occurs through convection (via the air) rather than conduction.