Which method of heat transfer involves the movement of fluid particles?

Convection is the method of heat transfer that specifically involves the movement of fluid particles, which can be liquids or gases. In convection, warmer areas of a fluid rise due to decreased density, while cooler, denser areas sink. This movement creates a circulation pattern that effectively transfers heat throughout the fluid.

For example, when heating water on a stove, the water at the bottom becomes warmer, rises, and is then replaced by cooler water from above. This continuous motion allows heat to be evenly distributed throughout the fluid.

This distinguishes convection from other forms of heat transfer, such as conduction, where heat is transferred through direct contact between materials, or radiation, which transfers heat through electromagnetic waves without the need for a medium. Insulation, meanwhile, refers to materials designed to resist heat transfer rather than being a method of transferring heat itself.