Simple Description

This current is formed when heat rises through a liquid or a gas due to a change in density.

Further Detail

When a liquid or a gas (fluids) are heated they expand and become less dense. As a result, they rise above the more dense, colder fluids around them. The rising fluid carries heat energy with it until it cools, becomes more dense and sinks again - this is a convection current.

Related Words:

• Conduction (thermal)
• Radiation (thermal)
• Heat transfer
• Density

« Previous Word Next Word »

---