Question

Write two differences between conduction and convection.

Answer 1

Conduction is the type of transfer between two or more parts which are stationary in nature, whereas convection is the type of transfer between two or more regions which can move at ease.

Stepwise solution:

The physical process of thermal energy being transferred between two entities by dissipating heat is heat transfer. The fundamental concepts of heat transfer are temperature and the distribution of heat. The temperature defines the quantity of thermal energy available and the heat flow reflects the passage of thermal energy.

CONDUCTION:
a. Conduction is a mechanism in which, through direct interaction, heat transfer takes place between objects. It describes how heat flows in direct interaction with objects. It is caused due to the difference in temperature. It is generally seen in solids, which results through collision of molecules. The transfer of heat in the process of conduction generally seems to be slow.
b. Both the cross-sectional area and the travel path play a major role in this action. The larger an object's size and length, the more energy it needs to heat it. And the bigger the open region of the surface, the more heat is lost.

CONVECTION:
a. Convection refers to the type of heat transfer within the fluid in which the exchange of energy takes place. This illustrates how heat travels through fluids. It is caused due to the difference in densities of different components of the mixture. It is generally seen in fluids, which results from actual flow of matter. The transfer of heat in the process of convection generally seems to be faster.
b. Here, the travel path does not seem to hold any significance. The energy is transferred through the bulk, where the cooler or denser moves below and the hotter region moves up.

Note: There are many real-life applications of these types. Let’s say in conduction, a pan will become hot, when it is placed on a burning stove, it becomes hot. In convection, when you are boiling water in a pan, hot water moves up and cooler water moves below to replace the hot water, thereby maintaining a circular flow inside the pan.