Radiation is the only form of heat transfer that can travel through a vacuum. Every object with a temperature above absolute zero emits some form of radiant heat.
Concept:
There are three fundamental modes of heat transfer.
• Conduction: Requires direct molecular contact (solids).
• Convection: Requires a fluid medium (liquids/gases) to move.
• Radiation: Occurs via electromagnetic waves and does not require a medium.
Step 1: Analyzing the medium of space.
The space between the Sun and the Earth is a near-vacuum.
Because there are no molecules to collide or flow, conduction and convection cannot occur.
Step 2: Mechanism of Thermal Radiation.
The Sun emits energy in the form of electromagnetic waves.
These waves can travel through the emptiness of space at the speed of light.
Step 3: Identification.
Heat transfer through a vacuum is exclusively categorized as Radiant heat.
Final Answer: (C)