Radiation can transfer heat between objects separated by a distance, without any physical contact.
All objects emit radiation based on their temperature, described by Planck's Law.
The Stefan-Boltzmann Law states that the total energy radiated per unit surface area of a black body is proportional to the fourth power of its temperature: $E = \sigma T^4$.
Radiative heat transfer is significant in processes like solar heating and thermal radiation from incandescent bulbs.
The greenhouse effect involves radiation trapping heat within Earth's atmosphere.
Review Questions
What distinguishes radiation from conduction and convection in terms of heat transfer?
How does the Stefan-Boltzmann Law relate to the concept of black body radiation?
What role does radiation play in the greenhouse effect?
Related terms
Conduction: The process of heat transfer through direct contact between materials.
Convection: The process of heat transfer through fluid motion, typically involving liquids and gases.
Black Body: An idealized object that absorbs all incident electromagnetic radiation and re-emits it perfectly based on its temperature.