Which of the following best describes conduction?

Conduction is defined as the transfer of heat through direct contact between materials or substances. This process occurs at the molecular level, where energy is passed from faster-moving (hotter) molecules to slower-moving (cooler) ones, resulting in an increase in temperature for the cooler molecules while the hotter ones cool down. This mode of heat transfer is prevalent in solids where particles are closely packed, allowing for efficient energy transfer through collisions.

In contrast, the movement of heat through the air refers to convection, where heat is transferred by the movement of fluids (liquid or gas) as they circulate. Radiation involves the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves, without the necessity of a medium, which is different from conduction. Evaporation of moisture is a phase change process that involves heat being absorbed, but does not relate to the physical process of heat transfer between solid objects. Therefore, the best description of conduction is accurately captured by the first choice.