Use the table of temperatures measured in two areas of the house to answer the question area downstairs is 22° upstairs is 26° which statement best explains the temperature difference. Is it the cooler air downstairs loses energy to the environment or energy from the cooler air is transferred upstairs or warm air rises. I confection to the upstairs energy is transferred between the areas when the molecules touch.

The best explanation for the temperature difference between the downstairs and upstairs areas is "warm air rises." This is because warmer air, being less dense, will naturally move upwards and replace the cooler air above it. Therefore, the warm air from downstairs would tend to rise and transfer to the upstairs area.