Thermal energy can move through conduction, convection, and radiation. These mechanisms often occur together, so naming one does not imply the others are absent. Distinguishing them helps explain familiar temperature changes. Conduction transfers energy through interactions within or between materials. Convection involves bulk movement of a fluid such as air or water. Radiation transfers energy through electromagnetic waves and does not require a material medium. Energy exchange depends on temperature differences and other conditions. A spoon warming in hot soup illustrates conduction; circulating soup involves convection; warmth received from sunlight involves radiation. These are simplified examples, not exclusive categories. Materials differ in thermal conductivity, so equal-looking objects can transfer heat at different rates. Do not use hot liquids or exposed heaters for an unsupervised experiment. Practice: Draw a closed room with a sunny window and label possible heat-transfer paths. Explain which paths involve moving matter and which do not.