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What is convection?

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Quick answer

Convection is the transfer of heat by the movement of a fluid — liquid or gas. Warm fluid rises because it's less dense, cooler fluid sinks, and this circulation carries heat around. It drives weather, ocean currents, and a boiling pot of water.

Key things to understand

  1. It's heat transfer through moving fluids (liquids or gases).
  2. Warm, less-dense fluid rises; cool fluid sinks.
  3. This sets up a circulating 'convection current'.
  4. It drives weather, ocean currents, and boiling water.

People also ask

What is convection?
The transfer of heat by the movement of a fluid, as warm parts rise and cool parts sink.
What's an everyday example of convection?
Boiling water, where hot water rises and cooler water sinks, circulating heat through the pot.
How is convection different from conduction?
Conduction transfers heat through direct contact; convection transfers it through moving fluid.

Part of the guide: Everyday Science: Light, Heat & Matter →