Question

What is the name for the transfer of thermal energy between particles of matter that are touching?

Answer 1

conduction

Conduction is the transfer of thermal energy between particles of matter that are touching. Thermal conduction occurs when particles of warmer matter bump into particles of cooler matter and transfer some of their thermal energy to the cooler particles. Conduction is usually faster in certain solids and liquids than in gases. Materials that are good conductors of thermal energy are called thermal conductors . Metals are especially good thermal conductors because they have freely moving electrons that can transfer thermal energy quickly and easily.