Heat loss due to emission of infrared energy from the body to cooler surroundings is called which mechanism?

Heat loss due to emission of infrared energy from the body to cooler surroundings is called which mechanism?

• A. Conduction
• B. Convection
• C. Radiation
• D. Evaporation

Answer: (C)

Heat loss by emitting infrared energy to cooler surroundings is radiation. The body releases heat as infrared electromagnetic waves, which travel through space to cooler surfaces without needing to touch them or rely on air movement. The rate of this heat loss increases with a greater temperature difference and larger exposed surface area. Conduction needs direct contact with a colder object; convection requires moving air to carry heat away; evaporation involves changing liquid (sweat) to vapor. So radiation best explains heat loss through infrared emission.

Heat loss by emitting infrared energy to cooler surroundings is radiation. The body releases heat as infrared electromagnetic waves, which travel through space to cooler surfaces without needing to touch them or rely on air movement. The rate of this heat loss increases with a greater temperature difference and larger exposed surface area. Conduction needs direct contact with a colder object; convection requires moving air to carry heat away; evaporation involves changing liquid (sweat) to vapor. So radiation best explains heat loss through infrared emission.