Thermal energy

1. Conduction

1.1. Conductors

1.1.1. contain many free electrons which allow it to increase the rate of thermal energy transfer, as the free elections bump into the atoms/molecules and cause them to vibrate faster. This speeds up the rate of energy transfer.

1.2. insulators

1.2.1. Without as many free electrons, insulators rely on the vibration of particles to transfer the heat energy.

2. Convection

2.1. Can only take place in liquids and gasses, it relies on the density of the substance which changes with temperature and requires particles to be able to move freely.

3. Radiation

3.1. Can take place without a medium and can be determined by the colour and texture of a surface, generally black absorbs the most heat as it does not reflect any of the rays away.