* Conduction: Heat transfer through direct contact. Think of a hot pan warming your hand.
* Convection: Heat transfer through the movement of fluids (liquids or gases). For example, warm air rising from a radiator.
* Radiation: Heat transfer through electromagnetic waves. This is how the sun warms the Earth, or how a campfire radiates heat.
The rate of heat transfer depends on:
* The temperature difference: The greater the difference between the object's temperature and its surroundings, the faster the heat transfer.
* The surface area: A larger surface area allows for more heat transfer.
* The type of material: Some materials are better conductors of heat than others (like metals).
As the object transfers heat to its surroundings, it will cool down until it reaches thermal equilibrium with its environment.
