You are correct. However, the odds of that happening are very very very small.MrXow said:It has never been observed not to flow from hot to cold but there is no law that says it cannot
Yes, so let's answer it:Shooting star said:The OP is asking about radiant heat. Read his query.
MrXow said:Heat can flow from cold to hot,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maxwell's_demon
there is no law that says it cannot.
russ_watters said:Yes, so let's answer it:
Radiation between a cold and a hot object involves both objects radiating photons towards each other, but since the hot object is hotter, it radiates more (via the Stefan-Boltzman law) and the net energy transfer is from the hot object to the cold one. How much is determined by plugging both temperatures into the equation.
Heat transfer is the movement of thermal energy from one object or substance to another due to a difference in temperature. This process occurs in three main ways: conduction, convection, and radiation.
Conduction is the transfer of heat through direct contact between two objects or substances. The heat energy flows from the warmer object to the cooler object until they reach the same temperature. Metals are good conductors of heat because their atoms are tightly packed, allowing for easy transfer of heat.
Convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids (liquids or gases). This process occurs when warmer fluids rise and cooler fluids sink, creating a continuous flow of heat energy. An example of this is the transfer of heat from a hot stove to a pot of water.
Radiation is the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves. This type of heat transfer does not require a medium (like air or water) and can occur in a vacuum. Examples of radiation include the warmth you feel from the sun or from a fire.
Conduction, convection, and radiation all involve the transfer of heat, but they differ in the way that heat is transferred. Conduction involves direct contact, convection involves movement of fluids, and radiation involves electromagnetic waves. Additionally, the speed and efficiency of heat transfer vary among the three methods.