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⚛️ Physics  ·  Thermal Properties of Matter  ·  NEET & JEE

Which mode of heat transfer can occur even through a vacuum?

Answer: Radiation.

  • A Conduction
  • B Convection
  • C Radiation
  • D Diffusion

Correct answer: C. Radiation

Explanation: Radiation is heat transfer through electromagnetic waves and does not require any medium, hence it can occur through vacuum (e.g., sunlight reaching Earth).

Heating Curve: Ice → Water → SteamHeat added (Q)T (°C)ice warms (-ve→0°C)melting (0°C, latent heat)water warms (0→100°C)boiling (100°C, latent heat)FLAT regions = phase change (all heat goes into breaking bonds, NOT raising temperature)

During a phase change (melting or boiling), temperature stays constant while heat is absorbed entirely as latent heat (Q=mL); temperature only rises again once the substance is fully in its new phase.

Concept context

Temperature scales, thermal expansion, calorimetry, and the three modes of heat transfer including radiation laws.

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