What is convection primarily associated with?

Convection is primarily associated with the transfer of heat in a gas or liquid through circulation. This process occurs when warmer areas of a fluid (which can be a liquid or gas) rise due to their lower density, while cooler areas sink, creating a circulation pattern. This natural movement helps distribute heat throughout the fluid, leading to a more uniform temperature.

In the context of convection, it is important to understand how fluids behave differently than solids. Unlike conduction, which typically occurs in solid materials where heat is transferred through direct contact, convection involves the movement of the whole fluid, which is key to how heat is transferred in liquids and gases. This mechanism is responsible for many natural phenomena, such as the warming of air in the atmosphere or the boiling of water.