Question

Define convection and condensation.

Answer 1

**Convection** is the process of heat transfer in fluids (liquids and gases) that occurs due to the movement of the fluid itself. This movement can be caused by temperature differences within the fluid, which leads to variations in density. Warmer, less dense fluid rises while cooler, denser fluid sinks, creating a circulation pattern. Convection is a key mechanism in various natural phenomena, such as atmospheric weather patterns, ocean currents, and the heating of water in a pot on a stove.

**Condensation**, on the other hand, is the process by which a substance transitions from a gas phase to a liquid phase. This occurs when the gas is cooled to its dew point temperature or when the pressure is increased, causing the gas molecules to lose energy and come closer together, forming liquid droplets. An everyday example of condensation is the formation of water droplets on a cold glass surface or the fogging of a bathroom mirror after a hot shower. Condensation plays an essential role in processes like the water cycle, cloud formation, and various industrial applications.