What physical mechanism transports thermal energy in radiation?

In the context of thermal energy transport, radiation refers to the process by which energy is transferred through electromagnetic waves. This is distinct from conduction and convection, which rely on matter for energy transfer.

Radiation occurs regardless of the medium; it can happen in a vacuum, which is why sunlight can travel through the vacuum of space to warm the Earth. The electromagnetic spectrum, which includes visible light, infrared radiation, and other forms, represents the different types of radiation that can convey thermal energy.

Unlike conduction, which requires direct contact between materials, or convection, which involves the movement of fluids, radiation does not need a physical medium. The transport mechanism in radiation involves the emission, absorption, and transmission of electromagnetic waves, making electromagnetic fields the correct answer for how thermal energy is transported through radiation.