How does radiation transfer heat?

Radiation transfers heat through energy waves, making it distinct from conduction and convection. When an object emits energy in the form of electromagnetic waves, such as infrared radiation, it can transfer heat to another object without requiring a medium like air or water. This process enables the heat from the sun to reach Earth through the vacuum of space, illustrating the effectiveness of radiation as a method of heat transfer.

In contrast, conduction relies on direct contact between materials to transfer heat, while convection involves the movement of fluids (liquids and gases) to distribute heat. The option referring to convection only is limited to that specific method of heat transfer, which does not encompass the broader and more universal mechanism of radiation. Therefore, energy waves encapsulate the process accurately, highlighting radiation's unique way of transferring heat without the need for direct contact or fluid movement.