Convective Heat Transfer

Convective heat transfer is the process by which heat moves through a fluid—like air or water—by the movement of the fluid itself. When the fluid heats up, it becomes less dense and rises, while cooler, denser parts sink, creating a circulation pattern. This movement carries heat away from a hot surface or toward a cooler one, helping to equalize temperatures. Examples include boiling water, wind cooling your skin, or a radiator warming a room through fan-assisted air circulation. Convective heat transfer is vital in many natural and engineering systems for efficient temperature regulation.