Which type of heat transfer is affected by air velocity?

Convection heat transfer is influenced by air velocity because convection involves the movement of fluids, such as air or water, transporting heat through bulk motion. When air moves quickly, it enhances the convective heat transfer process, allowing for more efficient cooling or heating of surfaces. This can be explained through the principle that increased airflow can remove heat from a surface more rapidly than stagnant air, thereby increasing the heat transfer coefficient.

In contrast, conduction heat transfer relies on the direct transfer of thermal energy through a solid material and does not depend on air movement. Radiant heat transfer occurs through electromagnetic waves, meaning it does not involve a medium like air, and hence is also unaffected by air velocity. Understanding these distinctions is vital in industrial hygiene and workplace safety, where managing heat exposure is critical for preventing heat-related illnesses.