What term describes energy that is radiated or transmitted in the form of rays, waves, or particles?

The term that describes energy radiated or transmitted in the form of rays, waves, or particles is "radiation." This concept encompasses a broad range of phenomena, including electromagnetic radiation such as light and radio waves, as well as particle radiation such as alpha and beta particles. Radiation can occur through a vacuum, meaning it doesn't require a medium to travel, unlike other forms of energy transfer like conduction or convection.

In contrast, heat refers specifically to the transfer of thermal energy between objects at different temperatures, while electricity pertains to the flow of electric charge. Conduction describes the process by which heat or electricity is directly transmitted through a material, typically without any movement of the material itself. This distinction clarifies the unique characteristics of radiation as a form of energy transfer. Understanding these definitions and mechanisms is essential in the study of physical science and energy transfer processes.