What mechanism describes heat transfer from a warmer object to a cooler one?

The mechanism that describes heat transfer from a warmer object to a cooler one is conduction. This process occurs when two materials are in direct contact with each other, allowing heat energy to transfer from the hotter object to the cooler one through the molecular interactions at their surfaces. The molecules in the hotter object vibrate faster due to their increased energy and collide with the slower-moving molecules in the cooler object, effectively transferring heat.

In contrast, convection refers to heat transfer that occurs in fluids (liquids or gases) as a result of motion within the fluid, while radiation involves the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves without the need for a physical medium. Conversion is a more general term and does not specifically relate to heat transfer mechanisms. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for grasping the underlying principles of thermal dynamics in various contexts, including athletic training and physical therapy.