Heat transfer in the form of invisible waves is referred to as what?

Heat transfer in the form of invisible waves is referred to as radiation. This process involves the transfer of energy through electromagnetic waves, which can travel through a vacuum (such as space) and do not require a medium like air or water. Common examples of radiation include the heat felt from the sun or a fire, where the warmth is felt without direct contact with the heat source.

Conduction and convection involve different mechanisms of heat transfer. Conduction is the transfer of heat through direct contact between materials, while convection involves the movement of heat through fluids (liquids or gases) by the motion of the fluid itself. Insulation, on the other hand, refers to materials that reduce the rate of heat transfer, often used to keep heat in or out of a space. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for comprehending how heat behaves in various environments, especially in firefighting and safety contexts, where managing heat can be vital.