How is thermal energy transferred in convection?

In convection, thermal energy is primarily transferred through the movement of fluids, which include liquids and gases. When a fluid is heated, it becomes less dense and rises, while cooler, denser fluid sinks. This movement creates a cycle known as a convection current, which effectively transfers heat throughout the fluid.

As warmer fluid rises, it carries thermal energy with it, while the cooler fluid that sinks takes the place of the rising fluid, allowing continuous movement and heat transfer. This process is essential in various natural phenomena, such as atmospheric weather patterns and ocean currents, as well as in practical applications like heating systems and cooking.

The other methods of thermal energy transfer, such as conduction (which involves heat transfer through direct physical contact) and radiation (which occurs via electromagnetic waves), are not involved in convection, making the understanding of the movement in fluids fundamental to grasping how convection works.