What are the three methods by which heat can be transferred?

The correct answer highlights the fundamental processes by which heat is transferred in various environments. Conduction, convection, and radiation are the primary mechanisms of heat transfer.

Conduction occurs when heat moves through a material, transferring energy from molecule to molecule. This typically happens in solids, where particles are closely packed together, allowing them to efficiently transfer kinetic energy.

Convection involves the movement of heat through fluids (liquids and gases) due to the movement of the fluid itself. As a fluid is heated, it expands and becomes less dense, causing it to rise. Conversely, cooler, denser fluid sinks. This circulation is a crucial mechanism in various natural systems, such as atmospheric and oceanic currents.

Radiation is the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves, which does not require a medium to travel through. This is how heat from the sun reaches the Earth, demonstrating that radiation can occur even in a vacuum.

The other options, while incorporating terms related to heat transfer or phase changes, do not encompass the core methods of thermal energy transfer as effectively as the correct option does. For instance, evaporation and condensation are specific processes relating to phase changes and heat transfer but do not represent primary methods on their own.