Which energy transfer travels in light waves?

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

Answer: (B)

Radiation is the energy transfer that travels in light waves. Light is an electromagnetic wave, so it can carry energy through space, even in a vacuum, without needing matter to move the energy along. Conduction transfers energy via direct contact and particle interactions within a solid or between touching objects. Convection moves energy through the bulk motion of a fluid, like air or water forming currents. Heat is the general term for energy in transit due to a temperature difference and can occur by radiation, conduction, or convection; it isn’t a method of transfer by itself. So when energy travels specifically as light waves, that transfer is radiation.