What is convection?

Convection refers specifically to the process of heat transfer that occurs through the movement of fluids, which can be either liquids or gases. In this process, warmer areas of a fluid rise due to decreased density, while cooler areas sink. This creates a circulation pattern that allows heat to be evenly distributed throughout the fluid.

For example, when water is heated in a pot, the water at the bottom warms up first, becomes less dense, and rises to the surface, while the cooler water descends to take its place. This continuous movement forms convection currents, which effectively transfer heat throughout the entire body of water.

Understanding convection is crucial in applications such as HVAC systems, cooking, and even weather patterns, where the circulation of air and water plays a vital role in temperature regulation and heat distribution.