What best describes radiation?

Radiation is best described as the transfer of energy through electromagnetic waves. This process does not require any medium to occur, meaning it can happen through a vacuum, as seen when the Sun's energy reaches the Earth. Electromagnetic waves can travel through the empty space of space or air, transferring energy in the form of waves. Examples of radiation include visible light, infrared radiation, and ultraviolet light, all of which carry energy that can be absorbed by objects, warming them up.

For further context, the other options pertain to different methods of energy transfer. The first option refers to conduction, where heat is transferred through direct contact between materials. The third option describes convection, which involves the movement of particles in fluids (liquids and gases) to distribute heat. The last option pertains to the transformation of energy types, specifically how kinetic energy can be converted to potential energy, but this is not a description of radiation itself.