Which of the following accurately describes how radiation functions?

The option that states radiation acts as both a wave and particle phenomenon is accurate and aligns with the principles of quantum mechanics. Radiation encompasses a wide range of energy forms, including visible light, radio waves, and gamma rays, and can be described both as waves that exhibit behaviors such as interference and diffraction and as particles called photons that carry quantized amounts of energy. This duality is a fundamental concept in physics known as wave-particle duality, which underpins much of modern radiation theory.

The other options do not accurately capture the nature of radiation. For example, radiation does not exclusively affect cold objects; it can transfer energy to any object regardless of its temperature. Additionally, while heat transfer is a method through which energy can be processed, radiation itself is not limited to this process and encompasses various forms of electromagnetic radiation. Lastly, radiation does not only exist in a vacuum; it can propagate through different media, including air and solids, illustrating that its presence is not confined to empty space.