How is heat transferred in convection?

Heat transfer in convection occurs through the movement of fluids, which can be liquids or gases. This process involves the circulation of a heated liquid or gas, where warmer, less dense areas rise and cooler, denser areas sink. As the warmer fluid rises, it carries energy with it, transferring heat throughout the substance. This movement creates a continuous cycle, allowing for even heating and cooling.

In contrast, other methods of heat transfer do not utilize fluid movement. For instance, heat transfer by conduction involves direct contact between materials, where heat moves through the material itself without the movement of the material as a whole. Radiation involves the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves and does not require a medium, such as air or water, to occur. Therefore, convection is distinct because it relies specifically on the motion of fluids to convey heat.