Explaining convection
I can explain convection currents and describe how they can transfer energy.
Explaining convection
I can explain convection currents and describe how they can transfer energy.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Particles in a gas move very quickly in random directions and have empty space between them.
- Heating a fluid increases the speed of particles and they push each other further apart.
- As a fluid is heated, it becomes less dense.
- Hotter fluid rises through cooler fluid because it is less dense.
Keywords
Density - The mass per unit volume of a substance; a less dense substance will float on top of a more dense one.
Fluid - The term used for a gas or liquid because these can flow as their particles can move around.
Random motion - Describes the movement of particles in a fluid that travels at a range of speeds in all directions.
Convection current - The movement of fluids caused by differences in density within the fluid, which allows energy to be transferred as the hotter fluid rises to cooler areas.
Common misconception
Pupils often have the misconception that heat is a substance that can flow.
Focus learning on how heating causes particles to move more quickly, and the effects that this can have on the density of a fluid.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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