Conduction is defined as the transfer of heat energy through collisions between neighboring atoms or molecules.

• A. The transfer of heat energy through electromagnetic waves.
• B. The transfer of heat energy through collisions between neighboring atoms or molecules.
• C. The movement of heat by fluids.
• D. The heat transfer by changing states.

Answer: (B)

Conduction is the transfer of heat energy through collisions between neighboring atoms or molecules. In solids, particles are close together, so energy moves as atoms vibrate and pass that vibrational energy to neighbors; in metals, free electrons also carry energy rapidly and transfer it when they collide with ions. This direct transfer by contact is what conduction means. The other ways heat can move are through radiation (energy by electromagnetic waves), convection (carried by moving fluids), and latent heat during phase changes (energy involved in changing state). Because the description matches heat transfer via collisions between neighboring particles, it correctly defines conduction.