Convection is a mode of heat transfer that occurs through the movement of fluids (liquids or gases). It is an important process in the transfer of heat energy from one place to another.
Mechanism of Convection
Convection occurs when a fluid is heated, it becomes less dense and rises, while the cooler, denser fluid sinks. This creates a circular motion within the fluid, transferring heat from the warmer areas to the cooler areas.
Examples of Convection
Some common examples of convection include the heating of a room by a radiator, the boiling of water in a pot, and the movement of air in the atmosphere which leads to wind.
Study Guide
Understanding the Mechanism: Study the process of convection and how it differs from conduction and radiation.
Applications: Learn about various real-life applications of convection, such as in weather patterns, cooking, and heating systems.
Factors Affecting Convection: Understand the factors that affect the rate of convection, such as temperature gradients and fluid properties.
Create a computational model to calculate the change in the energy of one component in a system when the change in energy of the other component(s) and energy flows in and out of the system are known.
Develop and use models to illustrate that energy at the macroscopic scale can be accounted for as either motions of particles or energy stored in fields.