Convection, Conduction, Radiation

Front

What is Convection?

Back

Convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids (liquids or gases). Warm fluid rises while cooler fluid sinks, creating a circulation pattern.

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What is Conduction?

Back

Conduction is the transfer of heat through direct contact between materials. Heat moves from the hotter object to the cooler one.

Front

What is Radiation?

Back

Radiation is the transfer of heat in the form of electromagnetic waves, such as light. It does not require a medium to travel through.

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Example of Convection:

Back

A hot air balloon rises because the air inside it is heated, becomes less dense, and rises.

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Example of Conduction:

Back

A metal spoon gets hot when placed in a pot of hot soup because heat transfers from the soup to the spoon.

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Example of Radiation:

Back

The warmth felt from the sun on your skin is due to radiation.

Front

What happens to warm air over a beach?

Back

Warm air rises, and cooler air from the ocean rushes in to take its place, demonstrating convection.

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How does a lava lamp work?

Back

In a lava lamp, colored liquids form globs that rise and fall due to convection as they are heated and cooled.

Front

What is the role of density in Convection?

Back

In convection, warm fluids become less dense and rise, while cooler fluids are denser and sink.

Front

What is an example of heat transfer in a heater?

Back

Heat from a heater warms the air in a room through convection, as warm air rises and cooler air moves in.