TO convection current It is the movement of a fluid (such as air or water) caused by temperature differences. When part of a liquid or gas is heated, it expands and becomes less dense. The warmer, less dense fluid rises upward and the cooler fluid falls to take its place. This cycle of rising and falling of a liquid or gas is called convection current.
Convection currents can be demonstrated in many fun visual ways, making them a great scientific concept to explore.
Five simple demonstrations of the conventional current
Color mixing convection
You may have seen a science activity about density where warm water floats on top of cold water because it is less dense. If food coloring is added to both containers before they are placed on top of each other, the colors do not mix.
However, if you place a glass of hot water under a glass of cold water, they will mix, as the hot water rises and the cold water sinks to take its place.
Create an underwater volcano
A underwater volcano This is a great visual way to demonstrate convection. All you need is food coloring, a large bowl, and hot and cold water.
Carousel of Candles
TO carousel of candles Use a candle to spin a carousel made of aluminum foil. The result is impressive, as the carousel spins very fast.
Convection snake
A traditional way to demonstrate convection is to use a convection snakeIt is a spiral of paper that begins to spin when placed over a heat source.
Ice and salt water demonstration.
When we investigate Whether ice melted faster in fresh or salt water We notice a convection current as the ice melts in the non-salty water.
Lava lamp
Finally, a traditional lava lamp (one you buy, not one you make) is another fantastic example of a convection current. The temperature at the top is slightly cooler than at the bottom (where the light bulb is), so when the lava chunks reach the top, they cool down and then sink back down again and again.
If you know other ways to demonstrate a convection current I'd love to know.
Concept of science
Convection current
Last updated on August 27, 2024 by Emma Vanstone
