What is the mechanism by which thermal energy moves from one object to another?

Thermal energy moves from one object to another through the mechanism of conduction, which is the process of heat transfer via direct contact between materials. In conduction, thermal energy is transferred through collisions between the molecules of the substances in direct contact without any overall motion of the substance itself. This means that when two objects at different temperatures touch, the faster-moving (higher-energy) particles of the warmer object collide with the slower-moving (lower-energy) particles of the cooler object, causing the cooler object's particles to gain energy. This transfer continues until thermal equilibrium is reached.

In contrast, convection involves the movement of heat through fluids (liquids or gases) where warmer, less dense regions rise while cooler, denser regions sink, creating a flow that effectively transfers heat. Radiation, on the other hand, is the transfer of energy through electromagnetic waves, not requiring any medium, while absorption refers to the process by which materials take in energy. Therefore, conduction is the correct answer as it specifically describes the mechanism for direct heat transfer between objects in contact.