Heat can be transferred to an object in three primary ways: conduction, convection, and radiation.
– Conduction is heat transfer through direct contact between materials. For example, a metal door handle becomes hot when it is in contact with a fire-exposed door because heat travels through the metal.
– Convection occurs when heat is transferred by the movement of heated gases or liquids. An example is hot smoke and gases rising and spreading through a structure, heating objects on upper floors.
– Radiation transfers heat through electromagnetic waves without direct contact. For example, a nearby wall or vehicle can heat up from a fire across a room or street due to radiant heat.
These heat transfer methods explain how fires spread and why exposure protection is critical in fire prevention.