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What process describes the circulation of hot gases and fluids?

  1. Conduction

  2. Convection

  3. Radiation

  4. Transition

The correct answer is: Convection

The process that describes the circulation of hot gases and fluids is convection. Convection occurs when warmer, less dense fluids rise while cooler, denser fluids sink, creating a circular motion. This movement effectively transfers heat through the fluid or gas. For example, in a room heating system, warm air that moves upward creates a difference in air density, allowing cooler air to move down and get heated, continuing the cycle. In contrast, conduction refers to the transfer of heat through direct contact between materials, where heat moves from a hotter object to a cooler one without the movement of the material itself. Radiation involves the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves, such as sunlight warming the Earth, and does not require a medium to travel through. Transition is not a recognized term in the context of heat transfer and does not accurately describe any of the processes related to heat circulation.