How is heat transferred from a stove burner to pan?

There are three primary mechanisms by which heat is transferred from a stove burner to a pan:

1. Conduction: This is the transfer of heat through direct contact between two objects. When the burner is turned on, it heats up the metal of the burner, which in turn conducts heat to the bottom of the pan.

2. Convection: This is the transfer of heat by the movement of a heated fluid. In the case of a stove, the heated air rises from the burner and circulates around the pan, transferring heat to it.

3. Radiation: This is the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves. The hot burner emits infrared radiation, which is absorbed by the pan and converted into heat.

Conduction is the most significant mechanism for heat transfer from a stove burner to a pan, although convection and radiation also play a role, especially at higher temperatures.