Convection Currents

Front

What is convection?

Back

Convection is the transfer of heat through a fluid (liquid or gas) caused by the movement of the fluid itself.

Front

What causes convection currents?

Back

Convection currents are caused by differences in temperature and density within a fluid.

Front

What happens to molecules in a fluid when they are heated?

Back

When heated, the molecules in a fluid expand (spread out) and become less dense.

Front

How do convection currents affect the movement of tectonic plates?

Back

Convection currents in the mantle cause the movement of tectonic plates by creating forces that push and pull them.

Front

What is the role of density in convection?

Back

Density differences in a fluid lead to the rise of warmer, less dense fluid and the sinking of cooler, denser fluid.

Front

What is an example of convection in everyday life?

Back

An example of convection is the heating of water in a pot on a stove, where hot water rises and cooler water sinks.

Front

What is conduction?

Back

Conduction is the transfer of heat through a solid material without the movement of the material itself.

Front

What is radiation?

Back

Radiation is the transfer of heat in the form of electromagnetic waves, such as sunlight.

Front

How does the Earth's rotation affect convection currents?

Back

The Earth's rotation can influence convection currents by affecting wind patterns and ocean currents.

Front

What is the mantle?

Back

The mantle is the thick layer of the Earth located between the crust and the outer core, where convection currents occur.