If you put wet clothes into a dryer and turn on the heat only, without any air movement, the drying process will be slower and less effective compared to using both heat and air. Here's what would likely happen:
Heat transfer: The heat from the dryer will be transferred to the wet clothes. As the clothes absorb the heat, the water within them will start to evaporate. However, without proper air circulation, the moisture released from the clothes will remain close to the fabric, creating a humid environment.
Recondensation: As the moisture evaporates from the wet clothes, it will saturate the air inside the dryer. Since there is no air movement to carry away the water vapor, it can quickly recondense onto the cooler surfaces of the clothes or the inside of the dryer drum. This can result in damp clothes and potential issues like an unpleasant odor or even mold growth.
Extended drying time: Without the aid of air movement, the evaporation process will be slower. The moisture will have a harder time escaping from the clothes, leading to longer drying times. This can be especially true for thicker fabrics or larger loads of laundry.
To optimize the drying process and ensure efficient drying, it is recommended to use both heat and air movement in a dryer. The combination of heat and airflow helps to evaporate the moisture from the clothes and carry it away, leading to faster and more effective drying.