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Lesson: Thermal Convection Physics

In this lesson, we will learn how to describe the origins and effects of thermal convection currents in liquids and gases.

Lesson Plan

Students will be able to

recognize the qualitative relationship between the proximities of different parts of a fluid to a heat source and the temperatures of those parts,
recognize the qualitative relationship between the temperature of a fluid and the density of a fluid,
recognize the qualitative effect of the relative densities of different parts of a fluid on the motions of those parts,
describe qualitatively how a constant heat source applied to a fluid from below results in circulatory bulk motion of the fluid,
qualitatively compare the kinetic and gravitational potential energies of particles within different parts of fluids that are undergoing thermal convection.

Lesson Video

Lesson Worksheet

Q1:

A container holds a liquid that is steadily heated from the top of the container. Which of the following diagrams most correctly shows the motion and temperature change of the liquid in the container due to convection?

Q2:

A container holds a liquid that is steadily heated from the base of the container. Which of the following diagrams most correctly shows the motion and temperature change of the liquid in the container due to convection?

Q3:

A fluid is in a container that is steadily heated from the base. The region of the fluid that is most directly heated thermally expands, reducing its density, as shown in the diagram. Which of the following diagrams most correctly shows both how the lower- and higher-density fluid regions would be distributed through the fluid and how these regions would heat each other?