What method is primarily responsible for heat transfer through solids?

The method primarily responsible for heat transfer through solids is conduction. Conduction occurs when heat energy is transferred through direct contact between materials. When one part of a solid material is heated, the particles in that area gain energy and vibrate more vigorously. This energy is then transferred to adjacent particles through collisions, allowing the heat to spread through the solid. This process is efficient in solids because the particles are closely packed together, enabling effective energy transfer.

In contrast, convection involves the movement of fluids (liquids or gases) and relies on the flow of the fluid to distribute heat, making it unsuitable for solids. Radiation involves the transfer of energy through electromagnetic waves and does not require a medium, so it predominantly occurs in gases or across spaces. Evaporation is a specific process related to the phase change of a liquid to gas and does not pertain directly to the conduction of heat in solids. Thus, conduction is the accurate and primary method for heat transfer through solid materials.