What is the movement of heat by way of fluid or air called?

The movement of heat by way of fluid or air is known as convection. This process occurs when a fluid or gas is heated, causing it to expand, become less dense, and rise, while cooler, denser fluid or gas sinks, creating a current that transfers heat.

In environments like air conditioning systems, convection is crucial for distributing cool air throughout a space. For instance, the air conditioning unit cools the air in one area, causing that air to circulate and mix with the warmer air in the room, promoting an even temperature throughout the environment.

Conduction, on the other hand, refers to heat transfer through direct contact between materials, and radiation involves heat transfer through electromagnetic waves without needing a medium. While 'transfer' is a general term that can encompass all types of heat movement, it does not specifically describe the fluid or air-based mechanism that defines convection.