Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2027 exam
Verified for the 2027 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Definition
Convection heat transfer refers to the process of transferring heat through fluids (liquids or gases) by the movement of the fluid itself. It occurs due to the combined effects of conduction and fluid motion.
AP course connection
Topic YiO31qqHTofaMmIw: Unit 2 Overview: Thermodynamics
Convection Currents: The circular motion created in fluids due to temperature differences, which leads to heat transfer.
Natural Convection: Heat transfer that occurs solely due to buoyancy forces caused by temperature differences in a fluid.
Forced Convection: Heat transfer that occurs when an external force (such as a fan or pump) is used to enhance fluid motion and increase heat transfer rate.