Which method of heat transfer involves direct physical contact?

The method of heat transfer that involves direct physical contact is conductive heat transfer. This process occurs when two objects at different temperatures are in contact with each other, allowing heat to flow from the hotter object to the cooler one. The transfer of heat happens at the molecular level, as the vibrating particles in the hot object collide with the particles in the cooler object, thereby transferring energy.

In contrast, convective heat transfer involves the movement of fluids (liquids or gases) and is not based on direct contact between materials. Instead, it relies on the bulk movement of the fluid to carry heat away from or to a surface. Radiant heat transfer, on the other hand, occurs through electromagnetic waves and does not require any medium, meaning it can happen even in a vacuum. Lastly, thermal heat transfer is a broad term that encompasses all forms of heat transfer, but it does not specifically refer to the direct contact that characterizes conductive heat transfer.