Which process is described as the direct transfer of heat through a material?

The process described as the direct transfer of heat through a material is conduction. This occurs when heat moves through a substance without the movement of the substance itself, typically seen in solids where the molecules are closely packed. When one part of the material is heated, the molecules in that area vibrate more rapidly and collide with neighboring molecules, transferring energy and causing a gradual increase in temperature throughout the material.

Convection, on the other hand, involves the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids (liquids or gases). Radiation refers to the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves, which can occur in a vacuum, while condensation is the process of a gas turning into a liquid, which is unrelated to heat transfer during solid conduction. Understanding the distinction among these concepts is crucial in fields such as roofing, where the efficiency of heat transfer can impact insulation and energy use in buildings.