What is radiation?

Radiation refers to the transfer of energy through electromagnetic waves, which can occur through a vacuum or any medium, including air or transparent materials. This process does not require any direct contact or a physical medium, distinguishing it from conduction (transfer of energy by direct contact) and convection (transfer of heat by liquid or gas mediums).

In radiation, energy can be emitted by hot objects and can travel across empty space. An everyday example of this is the heat we feel from the sun; the thermal energy is transmitted through the vacuum of space as infrared radiation. The understanding of radiation is crucial in various fields, including physics, engineering, and environmental science, where energy transfer in different forms plays a significant role.