Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: True (this describes thermal radiation)
Explanation:
Concept/Approach
Heat can be transferred by conduction (requires material contact), convection (requires a fluid), and radiation (electromagnetic waves that can travel through vacuum).
Why the statement is correct
Radiative transfer proceeds in straight-line paths from a hot surface to a cooler one and does not require an intervening medium; it can occur through vacuum. Any intervening medium may absorb/reflect/emissively participate, but radiation itself does not require the medium.
Common pitfalls
Final Answer
True
Discussion & Comments