Question

derek is watching steam form swirling patterns above the boiling water in his beaker. which type of thermal energy transfer is he observing?
a. conduction
b. convection
c. translation
d. radiation

Explanation:

Conduction is heat transfer through direct contact. Convection is the transfer of heat by the movement of a fluid (liquid or gas), which is what causes the swirling patterns of steam above boiling water. Translation is not a type of thermal - energy transfer in this context. Radiation is the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves. Since the steam's swirling is due to the movement of the hot gas (steam), it's convection.

Answer:

B. Convection