Question

What is convection and how does it relate to astronomy?

Answer 1

Hint: First try to start with defining convection and then explain in detail how it is related with astronomy. Then provide some examples for convection. Convection is a process of heat transfer which can be seen on a large scale in the universe.

Complete answer:
The process convection refers to the heat transfer in fluids due to the movement of molecules. The rising of hot fluids and the sinking of cold one is mainly due to convection. Heat will be transferred from a hot place to a cool place.
As the temperature increases the molecules begin to move upward where temperature is less and the cold molecules come down .The vertical motion of fluids due to heat transfer is called convection whereas the lateral motion through the surface is called advection.
Convection can be seen in day to day life. Some examples are Land breeze and sea breeze, boiling of water, hot air balloons etc.
Convection can be seen in astronomy as well. In stars heated plasma from the core rises upward to the surface and the cool plasma is moved downwards .This upward motion of hot plasma and sinking of cool plasma is convection. Hot plasma as it reaches the surface transfers the heat to surroundings and cools down. This will descend to the core again and heat up.
This can be observed in the atmosphere of planets. Hot air rises up and cool air descends. This will cause wind and ocean currents in earth.

Note: Convection is a process by which heat gets transferred in fluids. This process can be seen around us from day to day life to planetary and stellar astronomy.