Which type of heat transfer involves direct contact between materials?

The correct choice involves conduction, which is the process of heat transfer that occurs through direct contact between materials. When two objects at different temperatures come into contact with each other, heat energy moves from the warmer object to the cooler one until thermal equilibrium is reached. This transfer of heat happens because of the vibration and movement of particles in the materials, allowing for energy to pass from one particle to another directly.

In contrast, convection involves the movement of heat through fluids (liquids or gases) where the warmer, less dense portions rise and cooler, denser portions sink, creating a circulation pattern. Radiation refers to the transfer of heat in the form of electromagnetic waves, which can occur in a vacuum and does not require physical contact. Evaporation is a phase change process where liquid turns into vapor and involves heat being absorbed from the surroundings but does not involve direct contact for heat transfer.