Explain how a convection current forms when a pan of water is being heated over a stove

The covection current forms because the base of the pan heats up as it gains energy from the stove via conduction, the pan then subsequently heats the water that is close to the bottom. As the water gains heat the convection current forms as the hot air at the bottom of the pan rises since the heat gain has lowered the density of the water. As the hot water rises the cooler water sinks to the bottom and is then heated itself, this water will then rise and again it will be replaced by cooler water, therefore the convection current has been formed. 

JH
Answered by Jack H. Physics tutor

17261 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

A rollercoaster carriage of mass 100kg has 45kJ of Kinetic Energy at the lowest point of its ride. Ignoring air resistance and friction between the wheels and the tracks, what is the maximum height above this point it could reach? [Take g as 10m/s/s)


Two cars are crash tested. Car A has a crumple zone, B doesn't. Both cars have mass 1500kg and a driver of mass 80kg and crash at 20m/s. Cars A and B take 0.8 and 0.2 seconds to stop respectively. Using this information, are crumple zones a necessity? (6)


Using the principle of the conservation of energy, calculate the maximum speed of a ball of 5.0kg that has been dropped from a height of 20m. (Given that the gravitational field strength is equal to 9.8N/kg)


State Newton's 3 Laws in words and/or mathematically


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning