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.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
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.
To help you plan your year 10 physics lesson on: Explaining convection, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 physics lesson on: Explaining convection, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 physics lessons from the Particle explanations of density and pressure unit, dive into the full secondary physics curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.