How does thermal energy transfer through a pot on the stove?

Thermal energy can transfer through a pot on the stove in three ways: conduction, convection, and radiation.

Conduction: Conduction is the transfer of heat between two objects in contact with each other. As the stove heats up, it conducts heat to the bottom of the pot. The molecules in the metal pot move faster as they become more energized, colliding with each other and transferring heat throughout the pot.

Convection: Convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of a fluid. When the water in the pot starts to heat up, it becomes less dense and rises to the top of the pot. The cooler water near the bottom is denser and sinks, creating a circular flow of water. This convection current distributes heat throughout the water in the pot.

Radiation: Radiation is the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves. The hot stovetop emits infrared radiation that passes through the air and is absorbed by the pot. The pot becomes hot and emits its own infrared radiation, warming the surrounding air and objects.