| Conduction | Convection | Radiation |
| In conduction, the heat transfer takes place between objects by direct contact. | In convection, the heat transfer takes within the fluid. | In radiation, the heat transfer occurs through electromagnetic waves without involving particles. |
| The heat transfer takes place due to the difference in temperature. | The heat transfer occurs due to the difference in density. | The heat transfer occurs in all object with a temperature greater than 0K. |
| The heat transfer in conduction is slow. | The heat transfer in convection is faster. | The heat transfer in radiation is fastest. |
| The heat transfer occurs through a heated solid object. | The heat transfer occurs through intermediate objects. For example, heat transfer between air and water. | The heat transfer occurs through electromagnetic waves. |
