question: Can convection travel thorough empty space? answer: Convection occurs when waves reach objects paragraph: Conduction is the transfer of thermal energy. It occurs between objects or substances that are touching. Thermal conductors are materials that are good conductors of heat. Thermal insulators are materials that are poor conductors of heat. Both conductors and insulators have important uses. Convection is the transfer of thermal energy. This occurs as particles move within a fluid. The fluid may be a liquid or a gas. The particles within the fluid transfer energy by moving from warmer to cooler areas. They move in loops. These loops are called convection currents. Radiation is the transfer of thermal energy by waves. These waves can travel through empty space. When the waves reach objects, the heat is transferred to the objects. Radiation is how the Sun warms the Earths surface. 