Convection: Convection is when areas of liquids or glasses with more thermal energy in their particles will rise, while areas with less thermal energy will fall.
Conduction: Conduction is when particles in a solid vibrate and transfer some of their thermal energy to nearby particles – some materials are better conductors than others, for example some metals
Diffusion: Particles move from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration until they are spread out evenly – Diffusion happens because particles bounce around until its spread around evenly
Contraction: Contraction is when particles vibrate clower and move closer together when thermal energy is removed causing solids, liquids, and gasses to contract (become smaller) when cooled.
Expansion: Expansion is when particles vibrate faster and push against each other apart when thermal energy is added, causing solids, liquids and gasses to expand (become bigger) when heated.