What term describes the transfer of heat energy by electromagnetic wave motion?

The term that describes the transfer of heat energy through electromagnetic wave motion is radiation. This process involves the emission of energy in the form of electromagnetic waves, which can travel through the vacuum of space as well as through various media. Unlike conduction and convection, which require a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) to transfer heat, radiation can transfer heat even through a vacuum, such as the way the sun's energy reaches the Earth.

In radiation, the heat transfer occurs as a result of the movement of photons, which carry energy away from their source. This phenomenon is fundamental in various applications, such as in understanding how the Earth warms up due to solar radiation or the way thermal imaging cameras detect heat. Since radiation is primarily associated with electromagnetic waves, it plays a crucial role in heating and cooling processes in the environment.