Convection vs. Conduction:

1. Definition:
- Convection: Convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids (liquids or gases). It occurs when warmer, less dense fluid rises, and cooler, denser fluid sinks, creating a circular motion.
- Conduction: Conduction is the transfer of heat through a material without any movement of the material itself. It occurs when molecules within a solid, liquid, or gas collide, transferring heat energy.

2. Mechanism:
- Convection: In convection, heat is transferred through the bulk movement of fluids. For example, when water is heated on a stove, the warmer water rises, while the cooler water sinks, creating a circulation pattern that transfers heat.
- Conduction: In conduction, heat is transferred through direct contact between molecules. When you touch a hot pan, the heat is transferred from the pan's molecules to your hand's molecules through collisions.

3. Examples:
- Convection: A classic example of convection is the heating of a room through a radiator. The air near the radiator is heated, becomes less dense, rises, and then circulates around the room, heating the entire space.
- Conduction: An example of conduction is when you boil water in a metal pot. The heat from the stove is transferred to the pot, which then conducts the heat to the water molecules inside.
In conclusion, convection involves the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids, while conduction involves the transfer of heat through direct contact between molecules. Both processes play crucial roles in everyday heat transfer phenomena.