Answer:
The thermal energy is carried by electromagnetic waves
Explanation:
There are three types of transfer of heat (thermal energy):
- Conduction: conduction occurs when two objects/two substances are in contact with each other. The heat is transferred from the hotter object to the colder object by the collisions between the molecules of the two mediums.
- Convection: convection occurs when a fluid is heated by an external source of heat. The part of the fluid closer to the heat source gets warmer, therefore it becomes less dense and it rises, and it is replaced by the colder part of the fluid, which is colder. Then, this part of fluid is heated as well, so it gets warmer, it rises, etc.. in a cycle.
- Radiation: radiation occurs when thermal energy is carried by electromagnetic waves. Since electromagnetic waves do not need a medium to propagate, this is the only method of heat transfer that can occur through a vacuum (so, in space as well).
Indeed, the Sun emits a lot of electromagnetic radiation, which travels through space and eventually reaches the Earth, heating it.
