Which level of heat transfer does convection refer to?

Convection specifically refers to the process of heat transfer that occurs through the movement of fluids, which includes liquids and gases. This mechanism operates on the principle that warmer, less dense portions of a fluid rise while cooler, denser portions sink, creating a circulation pattern that facilitates heat transfer throughout the fluid. This is essential to understand in contexts such as fire behavior, where convection can significantly influence the movement of heat and smoke in a structure.

By acknowledging that convection takes place in liquids and gases, you can better grasp how heat spreads in different environments and how it affects firefighting tactics—this understanding is crucial for controlling fires and protecting occupants and property effectively.