Subatomic mechanism of heat transfer by convection?

In summary, the conversation discusses the transfer of energy between two gas atoms through collisions, specifically focusing on how different particles such as electrons, photons, neutrons, and protons interact in the process. It is mentioned that convection is a mechanism of bulk mass transport and that conduction is the actual method of heat transfer. The role of particles in a plasma is also discussed, noting that high temperatures are needed for nuclei to participate in collisions.
  • #1
Hayaichi
4
0
Hey. I've been pondering on and off for a while now how exactly energy is transferred between two gas atoms, with different energies, via collision. Specifically how the electrons, photons, neutrons, protons, and any other particles that are used for energy transfer in convection, interact. If you need me to restate the question or clarify any point of it, just ask.

...I've managed to ask my question without a question mark...yay? Whoops.
 
Last edited:
Science news on Phys.org
  • #2
So what's the question?

Heat convects via collisions. You know that. Doubtful that the nucleus is involved except in translational kinetic energy. Mostly the collision is bouncing electron shell off one another. Any help?
 
  • #3
First of all, convection (either force or natural), is a mechanism of bulk mass transport. In the case of natural convection, it means there is some cooler (denser) mass (of gas) moving down the gravity field while the warmer (less dense) mass rises.

Conduction is the actual heat transport method which works by momentum/energy exchange between atoms.

The protons and neutrons are fixed in the nuclear surrounded by the electrons, and atomic collisions (not nuclear) occur between the electrons surrounding the atoms.

Photons interact primarily with the electrons, but have very little momentum.

Now in a plasma, one can have nuclei participating in collisions with other nuclei, as well as free electrons (there are ion-ion, ion-electron and electron-electron collisions) - but the temperature has to be relatively high.
 
  • #4
Excellent, thank you.
 

1. What is convection?

Convection is a method of heat transfer that occurs in fluids (liquids or gases) when there is movement of the fluid due to differences in temperature. This movement causes warmer areas of the fluid to rise and cooler areas to sink, creating a continuous circulation of heat.

2. How does convection transfer heat?

In convection, heat is transferred through the movement of molecules in fluids. As warmer molecules rise, they carry heat with them, while cooler molecules sink and take on heat. This process of circulation constantly redistributes heat within the fluid, leading to an overall transfer of heat.

3. What factors affect the rate of convection heat transfer?

The rate of convection heat transfer is influenced by several factors, including the temperature difference between the fluid and its surroundings, the properties of the fluid (such as density and viscosity), and the surface area and shape of the object that the fluid is in contact with.

4. How is convection different from conduction and radiation?

Convection, conduction, and radiation are all different methods of heat transfer. While convection involves the movement of fluids, conduction is the transfer of heat through direct contact between objects, and radiation is the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves. Convection is unique in that it requires the presence of a fluid for heat transfer to occur.

5. How is the subatomic mechanism of heat transfer by convection understood?

The subatomic mechanism of heat transfer by convection is still not fully understood, as it involves complex interactions between subatomic particles in fluids. However, it is believed that the movement of molecules in fluids is driven by convection currents, which are created by differences in density caused by temperature differences. Further research is being conducted to better understand this mechanism of heat transfer.

Similar threads

I Questions about my Understanding of Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
    • Thermodynamics
Replies
2
Views
480
Heating by radiation: how the atoms' speed is increased?
    • Thermodynamics
Replies
13
Views
2K
What is the mechanism of heat transfer and air flow in coffee roasters?
    • Thermodynamics
Replies
1
Views
2K
Explain convection heat transfer using kinetic theory
    • Thermodynamics
Replies
1
Views
5K
Logical explanations of factors, Heat transfer coefficient
    • Thermodynamics
Replies
22
Views
2K
I Variation of air temperature with altitude
    • Classical Physics
Replies
27
Views
901
What Causes Temperature Gradient at y=0 in Convective Heat Transfer?
    • Thermodynamics
Replies
3
Views
1K
Unravelling Heat Transfer: The Mystery of Conduction & Convection
    • Thermodynamics
Replies
4
Views
7K
How many reversible thermodynamic cycles are there between two heat reservoirs?
    • Thermodynamics
Replies
12
Views
2K
Entropic Force - Heat Transfer Mechanism
    • Thermodynamics
Replies
5
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top