What is the Difference Between Convection and Radiation?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between convection and radiation lies in the mechanisms through which they transfer heat. Here are the key differences:
- Convection: In convection, heat transfer occurs within a fluid (liquid or gas) due to the movement of the fluid itself. The fluid moves because of differences in density caused by variations in temperature. Convection can be further classified into natural convection, where the fluid motion is caused by buoyancy, and forced convection, where the fluid motion is induced by external means such as fans or pumps.
- Radiation: In radiation, heat transfer occurs through electromagnetic waves without involving particles. Radiation is the fastest mode of heat transfer and can occur even in a vacuum. It is the principle behind solar energy, where heat from the sun is transmitted through space without any medium.
In summary:
- Convection involves the transfer of heat within a fluid due to its motion, which is caused by temperature differences.
- Radiation involves the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves, independently of any medium.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Convection and Radiation? Comparative Table: Convection vs Radiation
Comparative Table: Convection vs Radiation
The difference between convection and radiation lies in the mode of heat transfer. Here is a table comparing the two:
| Feature | Convection | Radiation |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | The transfer of heat within a fluid, such as a liquid or gas. | The transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves without involving particles. |
| Heat Transfer Mechanism | Heat is transferred through currents in a fluid, like liquids or gases. | Heat is transferred through electromagnetic waves, such as light. |
| Heat Transfer Speed | Faster than conduction but slower than radiation. | The fastest mode of heat transfer. |
| Requirements | Requires an intermediate object or fluid for heat transfer. | Does not require any physical contact or intermediate object for heat transfer. |
| Occurrence | Takes place in fluids by mass motion of molecules in the same direction. | Occurs in all objects with a temperature greater than 0 K, including through a vacuum of space. |
In summary, convection is the heat transfer within fluids like liquids or gases, while radiation is the heat transfer through electromagnetic waves without any physical contact or intermediate object. Radiation is the fastest mode of heat transfer, whereas convection is faster than conduction but slower than radiation.
Read more:
- Conduction vs Convection
- Convection vs Diffusion
- Emission vs Radiation
- Natural vs Forced Convection
- Direct Radiation vs Diffuse Radiation
- Insolation vs Terrestrial Radiation
- Radiation vs Irradiation
- Radioactivity vs Radiation
- Radiation vs Electromagnetic Radiation
- Thermal vs Heat
- Infrared vs Ultraviolet Radiation
- Conventional vs Convection Oven
- Thermal Insulator vs Thermal Conductor
- Light Energy vs Heat Energy
- Evaporation vs Condensation
- Thermal Conductivity vs Diffusivity
- Conduction vs Induction
- Thermal Energy vs Temperature
- Heat vs Temperature