Which of the following best describes conduction?

Conduction is best described as the transfer of heat by direct contact between materials. In this process, when molecules in a solid object are heated, they vibrate more rapidly and transfer their energy to adjacent molecules, resulting in the spreading of heat through the material. This method of heat transfer is especially significant in solids because the closely packed molecules can easily collide and pass energy along.

The other options do not accurately describe conduction. For instance, the movement of heat through a liquid or gas refers to convection, which involves the bulk movement of fluids rather than direct contact. The transmission of heat via waves pertains to radiation, where energy travels through electromagnetic waves without requiring a medium. Lastly, the movement of heat through mechanical means suggests an external mechanism is involved, which does not characterize conduction, as conduction occurs at the molecular level without the need for bulk movement.