Which of the following describes conduction?

Conduction is a method of heat transfer that occurs when two materials are in direct contact with each other. When one material is heated, its particles vibrate and transfer energy to the adjacent particles of the cooler material. This process continues along the materials until thermal equilibrium is reached, meaning both objects attain the same temperature.

For example, if a metal spoon is placed in a hot cup of coffee, the heat from the coffee transfers directly to the spoon through conduction. This is characteristic of solid materials where particles are closely packed and can efficiently transfer kinetic energy through collisions.

The other options describe different modes of energy transfer. The transfer of energy through movement of fluids refers to convection, which involves the movement of liquid or gas particles. The transfer of energy through electromagnetic waves pertains to radiation, which is how heat can be transferred through a vacuum or air without a medium. Energy transformation from one state to another does not fit the definition of conduction, as it refers to changes in energy forms rather than a specific mode of heat transfer.