What type of heat transfer occurs when eggs fry in a hot pan?

When eggs fry in a hot pan, the primary type of heat transfer that occurs is conduction.

Explanation of Conduction:

1. Definition: Conduction is the transfer of heat through a material without the movement of the material itself. It occurs when two objects at different temperatures are in direct contact with each other.

2. Process:

   • The hot pan provides thermal energy to the egg via direct contact.
   • Molecules in the pan, which are heated by the stove, move rapidly and collide with the molecules of the egg, transferring energy to them.
   • As the egg warms up, the molecules within it begin to move faster, leading to cooking.

Additional Context:

While conduction is the dominant heat transfer method in this scenario, there may also be some convection occurring in the surrounding air and within the pan if it contains oil or other liquid components. However, the primary mechanism at play when frying eggs in a pan is conduction.