Heat Transfer in Vacuum Relies on Radiation

Steps:

• Identify the environment: vacuum of space lacks matter for particle-based transfer.
• Recall heat transfer modes: conduction via direct contact, convection via fluid motion, radiation via electromagnetic waves.
• Note Sun's energy output: emits infrared and visible light as electromagnetic radiation.
• Conclude for Moon: radiation travels through vacuum and heats the surface upon absorption.

Why C is correct:

• Radiation transfers energy as electromagnetic waves, per the Stefan-Boltzmann law (P = σAT⁴), requiring no medium and enabling propagation through vacuum.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Conduction needs direct molecular contact, impossible across empty space.
• B: Convection depends on fluid currents to carry heat, unavailable in vacuum.
• D: Includes conduction and convection, both ineffective without matter.

Final answer: C