Which method of thermal energy transfer can occur in all states of matter?

Radiation is the method of thermal energy transfer that can occur in all states of matter: solids, liquids, and gases. This type of energy transfer does not require a medium; it can occur in a vacuum, such as how the Sun's energy reaches the Earth. Radiation involves the transfer of energy through electromagnetic waves, including visible light, infrared radiation, and other wavelengths.

Conduction, on the other hand, requires physical contact between materials, making it effective primarily in solids where atoms or molecules are closely packed. It is less efficient in liquids and gases due to the larger distances between particles.

Convection is another form of heat transfer but is limited to fluids (liquids and gases) and relies on the movement of the fluid itself to distribute heat. This process is effective for transferring heat in these states but cannot occur in solids.

Absorption pertains to how materials take in thermal energy, but it is not a distinct method of energy transfer in itself like radiation, conduction, or convection.

Overall, radiation's unique ability to transfer energy without needing a medium makes it the method of thermal energy transfer applicable to all states of matter.