Convection Flashcards – Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) Physics 0972 (Extended) (2026–2028)

What is convection?

The transfer of thermal energy through the bulk movement of a liquid or gas.

What generally happens to a region of fluid when it is heated?

It expands and becomes less dense than the surrounding cooler fluid.

How does the movement of warmer and cooler fluid establish a convection current?

Warmer, less dense fluid rises, while cooler, denser fluid sinks to replace it.

When water is heated near one side of a container, what path does dye reveal?

The coloured water rises near the heated region, moves across the container and sinks as it cools.

In a two-chimney convection box, what path does smoke take when a candle heats the air beneath one chimney?

Smoke introduced at the other chimney is drawn down into the box and leaves through the chimney above the candle.