4.7 Explain the role of convection in everyday phenomena

Convection is when hot particles in liquids and gases rise and cool particles sink. Some examples of this include:

• Heating in houses: the convection current created by a heater (or various heaters) in a room
• Convection currents in the mantle: causes tectonic plates to move, creating earthquakes, mountains and volcanoes :)
• Your coffee/hot chocolate: Convection happens as the hot liquid heats the air creating a convection current which cools down your drink. Lids can help avoid this.

Figure 1: Location of mantle

Figure 2: A hot cup of....coffee?