Short Answer 
Thermal conduction is the process where heat transfers directly from a burner to a pot on a stovetop, enabling efficient cooking. It also explains why metal items can cause burns by efficiently transferring heat from hot substances to our hands, and is evident in everyday experiences like walking on hot sidewalks or using ice to cool drinks.
1. Cooking on a Stovetop
When you cook on a stovetop, heat is transferred from the burner directly to the pot through a process known as thermal conduction. This transfer allows the pot to heat up and cook the food inside. Without this conduction, cooking would be inefficient as the burner would not successfully transfer its heat to the cooking vessel.
2. Using Metal Items
Handling items like a metal spoon or a metal pot can lead to burns since metals conduct heat efficiently. For example, when you place a spoon into a hot liquid, the heat travels from the liquid to the spoon and then to your hand if you touch it. This principle also applies to heated car seats and ironing clothes, where heat is conducted to provide comfort and achieve desired results.
3. Daily Life Interactions
Everyday scenarios, such as walking barefoot on a hot sidewalk, illustrate the effects of thermal conduction as heat moves from the ground to your feet. Similarly, using ice cubes in a drink cools it down, as the heat from the beverage conducts to the ice. Other examples include warming up in the sun or touching a heated computer, all demonstrating the pervasive nature of thermal conduction in daily life.