What type of heat transfer occurs through contact between surfaces?

The correct answer is conduction because this type of heat transfer specifically occurs through direct contact between surfaces. When two objects at different temperatures come into contact, thermal energy flows from the hotter object to the cooler one until thermal equilibrium is reached. This process relies on the physical touching of the materials, allowing heat to move through the solid medium.

Conduction is most noticeable in solids, as the tightly packed particles can efficiently transfer energy through interactions. For example, if you hold one end of a metal spoon in boiling water, the heat travels through the spoon to your hand.

In contrast, convection involves the movement of fluid (liquid or gas) and the transfer of heat through that movement, while radiation refers to the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves, which does not require any contact or medium. Ventilation is a specific process in air movement and is not a recognized type of heat transfer in the context of this question.