Which method of heat transfer involves direct contact between materials?

The method of heat transfer that involves direct contact between materials is conduction. This process occurs when heat is transferred through direct contact, allowing thermal energy to flow from a hotter object to a cooler one. For example, when a metal spoon is placed in a hot pot of soup, the heat from the soup transfers to the spoon through conduction, making the spoon hot to the touch.

Conduction is critical to understanding fire safety in high-rise buildings because it can significantly impact how heat spreads through materials, affecting structural integrity and the safety of occupants during a fire. Knowing how heat transfers through conduction can help fire safety directors devise effective fire prevention strategies and emergency response plans.