Which of the following describes conduction in the context of heat transfer?

Conduction specifically refers to the transfer of heat that occurs through direct contact between materials. In this process, thermal energy moves from the hotter object to the cooler one as the molecules of the hotter substance vibrate and collide with the molecules of the cooler substance. This means that conduction requires a physical connection between the two objects, allowing energy to transfer through their molecular structure.

The other options describe different methods of heat transfer. For instance, the movement of air or liquid pertains to convection, where the movement of fluid carries heat from one place to another. Heat waves traveling through space describe radiation, which allows heat to be transferred without the need for a medium. Finally, absorption of heat by a colder substance is a concept present in various heat transfer mechanisms but does not specifically define conduction. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for recognizing how heat transfer operates in different environments and situations, particularly in firefighting scenarios where heat management and safety are essential.