Why does air in a room rise when it gains thermal energy from a heater? I point
The phenomenon of air rising when heated by a heater is primarily due to convection. When air comes into contact with a heater, it absorbs thermal energy, causing the air molecules to move faster and increase in temperature.
As the air molecules gain thermal energy, they become less dense and consequently, their average kinetic energy increases. The increased kinetic energy leads to the expansion of air molecules, causing the air to become lighter compared to the surrounding cooler air.
Since cooler air is denser than the warmer air, it exerts a greater downward force on the warmer air. This density difference causes the warmer air to rise upwards in the room, creating a circulation pattern known as a convection current. The rising warm air displaces the cooler air, which then moves towards the heater to replace the rising warm air, creating a continuous cycle of convection.
In summary, the heated air rises due to its lower density compared to the surrounding cooler air, creating a convection current and resulting in the transfer of thermal energy throughout the room.