Heat transfer between two substances is influenced by specific heat and what other factor?

Heat transfer between two substances is indeed influenced significantly by the area of physical contact and the duration of contact. When two substances are in thermal contact, the efficiency of heat transfer is heavily dependent on how much surface area is in contact. A larger area allows more opportunities for molecules to collide and transfer energy.

Additionally, the duration of contact plays a crucial role because heat transfer does not happen instantaneously. It requires time for energy to move from the hotter substance to the cooler one. Thus, both the size of the interface area and the amount of time the substances remain in contact directly affect the rate and effectiveness of heat transfer. Increased contact area provides more pathways for heat movement, while a longer duration increases the total amount of energy that can be exchanged.

Understanding this principle is essential in practical applications, such as in thermal insulation, cooking, and industrial processes, where maximizing heat transfer efficiency is critical.