Mr. Ito's students suggested several investigations that could be done to learn about the movement of heat. Mr. Ito completed the investigations in front of his class. The investigations and their results are provided below.

Question

investigation W: A bowl was filled with warm soup. The temperature of the bowl increased.
investigation X: A warm pan was put on top of an ice cube. The ice cube slowly melted.
investigation Y: A marble was placed near a light source. After some time, the marble felt warm.
investigation Z: A cold spoon was put into a warm cup of tea. The spoon quickly began to warm.
Which investigation is an example of the movement of heat through radiation?
A.
investigation Z
B.
investigation W
C.
investigation X
D.
investigation Y

Answer 1

The correct answer is D. investigation Y.

Investigation Y demonstrates the movement of heat through radiation. Radiation is the transfer of heat in the form of electromagnetic waves, like infrared radiation, which can travel through space. In this case, the light source radiates energy that warms the marble.

Investigations W, X, and Z involve conduction (the direct transfer of heat through contact) and convection (the movement through fluids), but Y is the only one that exemplifies heat transfer through radiation.