I was taught heat is the result of faster atomic vibration. As there are very few atoms to vibrate between earth and the sun, what is the medium that conveys the heat to us in the relative vacuum of space?
Question
#57660. Asked by satguru. (Jun 09 05 2:37 PM)
peasypod
Free space is the medium.
Heat is used in physics to describe the transfer of energy. Temperature is a measure of the internal energy of a material. Heat then flows from hot bodies to cold bodies by conduction (atoms bumping into each other) convection (bulk movement of material like a current) and radiation (energy transferred by electromagnetic radiation). Free space doesn't conduct, but it does allow photons (of light) to travel, and it is this radiative heat transfer that warms the Earth.
Jun 10 05, 5:54 AM
Find something useful here? Please help us spread the word about FunTrivia. Recommend this page below!
Suburban mum Allison Dubois attempts to balance family life with solving mysteries using her special gift. She can see dead people and can often hear the thoughts of those around her.
"Ask FunTrivia" is for entertainment purposes only, and answers offered are unverified and unchecked by
FunTrivia. We cannot guarantee the accuracy or veracity of ANY statement posted. Feel free to post an updated
response
if you feel that an answer is inadequate or incorrect. Please
thoroughly research items where accuracy is important to you using multiple reliable sources. By accessing our
website, you agree to be bound by our terms of service.
Sign up to see all responses!
