Convection
Contents
Key Stage 3
Meaning
Convection is a process where thermal energy is transferred in a fluid due to particles moving from hotter regions to cooler regions.
About Convection
- Convection happens in fluids (liquids or gases) because particles can move past one another.
- When a fluid is heated particles move more quickly and spread further apart. This makes the fluid less dense. The less dense fluid rises. After the fluid has moved away from the heater it cools down, the particles move more slowly coming closer together. This makes the fluid more dense so it sinks back towards the heater.
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Examples
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| A Convection Current caused by a heat source. | A Convection Current caused by a heat sink. |
Examples in the Particle Model
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| A Convection Current in the particle model caused by a heat source. | A Convection Current in the particle model caused by a heat sink. |