GCSE Physics

Convection in rooms

In the UK, most houses have radiators to heat their rooms. This is a bad name for them - as they give off heat mainly by convection!

convection current from a heater

The convector heater warms the air in contact with it. This becomes less dense, and rises.

The ceiling forces this air to circulate as shown, warming the air around it.

Finally, when the air has cooled, it falls downwards, completing the cycle.


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