What type of heat transfer occurs when campers are heated by a fire outside?

The correct answer is radiation. In the context of campers being heated by a fire, radiation refers to the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves. The heat from the fire escapes into the surrounding environment in the form of infrared radiation, which travels through the air and warms the campers directly. This process does not require a medium like air or water to transfer heat; instead, it occurs even in a vacuum, making it distinct from other forms of heat transfer.

Other forms of heat transfer, such as conduction and convection, involve direct contact or movement of fluids. Conduction involves heat transfer through direct contact between materials, while convection involves the movement of fluids (liquids or gases) which carry heat with them. Induction, on the other hand, is typically used in the context of heat transfer through electromagnetic fields, usually seen in induction cooktops, and is not applicable in this scenario. Radiation is the primary mechanism by which heat from a fire warms nearby objects and individuals without any physical contact.