What type of heat transfer occurs via contact?

The type of heat transfer that occurs via contact is conduction. This process involves the transfer of thermal energy through direct contact between materials. When two objects at different temperatures come into contact, energy moves from the hotter object to the cooler one until they reach thermal equilibrium. This can happen in solids, where particles are packed closely together and can easily transfer kinetic energy through collisions.

In contrast, convection involves the movement of heat through fluids (liquids or gases) as they circulate; it does not require direct contact between materials. Radiation is the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves and can occur in a vacuum, not requiring any physical contact. Evaporation refers to the transition of a substance from liquid to gas, which is also unrelated to direct heat transfer through contact. Therefore, conduction is correctly recognized as the heat transfer mechanism that relies on direct contact between materials.