Question

multiple choice question
how does convection cause the movement of tectonic plates?
heat from the mantle creates convection currents in the crust that push tectonic plates around on top of the mantle.
hot material in the mantle rises toward the crust, then cools and sinks back down. this produces convection currents that move plates
convection currents transfer thermal energy in the crust from one plate to another, causing the plates to move
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Explanation:

Convection currents occur when hot material (in the mantle) rises, cools, and sinks back down. This cyclic movement creates forces that drive the tectonic plates. The first option wrongly states convection currents transfer thermal energy in the crust (they are in the mantle). The third option inaccurately claims heat from the mantle creates convection currents in the crust (it's in the mantle). The second option correctly describes the process of hot mantle material rising, cooling, sinking, and producing convection currents that move plates.

Answer:

Hot material in the mantle rises toward the crust, then cools and sinks back down. This produces convection currents that move plates.