Thermal Convection

Thermal convection is the process of heat transfer through the movement of fluids—liquids or gases. When a part of the fluid heats up, it becomes less dense and rises, while cooler, denser parts sink. This creates a circulation pattern, or flow, that distributes heat evenly. A common example is boiling water: as the water heats, hot water rises and cooler water sinks, creating currents. Convection plays a vital role in natural systems like weather patterns, ocean currents, and the Earth's mantle, as well as in heating and cooling technologies.