There are three modes of energy transfer: conduction, convection, and radiation.

All heat-transfer processes involve one or more of these modes.

CONDUCTION Energy transfer by conduction is accomplished in two ways. The first mechanism is that of molecular interaction, in which the greater motion of a molecule at a higher energy level (temperature) imparts energy to adjacent molecules at lower energy levels. This type of transfer is present, to some degree, in all systems in which a temperature gradient exists and in which molecules of a solid, liquid, or gas are present.

The second mechanism of conduction heat transfer is by free electrons. The freee lectron mechanism is significant primarily in pure-metallic solids; the concentration of free electrons varies considerably for alloys and becomes very low for nonmetallic solids. The ability of solids to conduct heat varies directly with the concentration of free electrons, thus it is not surprising that pure metals are the best heat conductors, as our experience has indicated.

Basic equation used to describe this process