The process where heat is transferred through a vacuum is called?

The process where heat is transferred through a vacuum is known as radiation. This mechanism of heat transfer occurs through electromagnetic waves, which can travel through the vacuum of space without the need for a medium, such as air or solids. This is notably how energy from the sun reaches the Earth. Unlike conduction, which requires direct contact between materials, or convection, which involves the movement of fluids, radiation is effective in a vacuum where the other methods cannot operate.

This principle is critical in various applications, including understanding thermal characteristics of buildings and insulation materials, where managing heat loss or gain through radiation is essential to maintaining energy efficiency and comfort.