What is the process called when heat is transferred by the movement of liquids or gases?

The process of heat transfer through the movement of liquids or gases is known as convection. In this process, warmer areas of a liquid or gas, which rise due to their lower density, create a cycle of movement. As the warmer liquid or gas rises, it tends to cool down and become denser, leading to a downward motion. This continuous circulation helps distribute heat throughout the fluid.

Convection is particularly important in various natural systems and applications, such as in weather patterns, ocean currents, and heating in homes, where warm air rises and cooler air moves in to take its place. Heat transfer through convection is distinct from conduction, which occurs through direct contact between materials, and radiation, which involves the transfer of heat in the form of electromagnetic waves without the need for a medium. Insulation refers to materials used to resist heat transfer, rather than a method of heat movement itself.