What is a key difference between convection heat and radiated heat?

The key difference between convection heat and radiated heat lies in how they transfer energy. Radiated heat, which is a form of electromagnetic radiation, can indeed pass through solids, allowing it to warm objects directly without needing a medium such as air. This is why you can feel warmth from a fire or a heat lamp even at a distance; the heat travels through the air and may also penetrate certain materials.

Convection heat, on the other hand, relies on the movement of fluids (liquids or gases) to transfer heat. As the fluid heats up, it becomes less dense and rises, while cooler, denser fluid takes its place. This process can create currents that distribute heat, but it does not involve direct energy transfer through solid materials.

Recognizing that radiated heat can move through solids helps understand its unique properties and different applications in fire safety, such as when dealing with structural integrity during a fire.