WHAT
IS CONDUCTION?
When two surfaces come in contact, the warmer surface gives up heat
to the cooler surface as can be seen with a glowing burner on a stove
heating the pot it is in contact with. In a building this is limited
primarily to studs connecting outer and inner surfaces
WHAT IS CONVECTION?
The movement of air as a result of air being warmed. Warm air rises
seeking the coldest point. Convection is visible as wavy lines
above a hot road. Convection is a major concern in the winter,
but not in the summer.
WHAT IS INFRARED RADIATION?
Electromagnetic waves that can only be seen as part of the rainbow.
It travels at 186,000 miles a second. Radiant energy travels in
all directions seeking a cooler object to strike and then generates
heat. Microwave ovens work on the same principles. Standard ovens
heat the air, while a microwave heats what it sees.. Infrared is
like microwaves at lower frequencies. Most of us do not understand
microwaves or electricity but we use and enjoy the benefits of
them. We may not understand infrared radiation but we can learn
to make it work for us by learning how to control it. |