Running Hot & Cold: Convection Currents
Using a pair of Temperature Sensors to investigate convection currents in a water tank.
PASPORT Temperature Sensor (PS-2125)
ScienceWorkshop Temperature Sensor (CI-6505B)
Lab Summary
Students will use a pair of Temperature Sensors to investigate convection currents in a water tank.
The process of convection results in the transfer of heat energy due to the movement of heated material: for example, air or water. In the environment, atmospheric convection brings day-to-day changes in the weather as wind patterns shift. Global air circulation is also influenced by convection. The cyclic patterns of air movement that result from uneven heating and cooling are called convection currents. In oceans or large bodies of water, a cycle of warm water rising and cooler water sinking will also establish a convection current.
Hypothesize: How quickly will water temperatures change as a result of heating and cooling in this activity? What kind of visual evidence will you see that indicates the establishment of a convection current?
Published: October 2002
Downloads
- Convection Currents - PASPORT (28 KB, .zip)
Includes experiment setup, procedures and Datastudio file
- Convection Currents - ScienceWorkshop (28 KB, .zip)
Includes experiment setup, procedures and Datastudio file
Here's What You Need
U.S. Educator prices shown.
Probeware (PASPORT Systems)
Xplorer GLX (PS-2002) - $349
The Xplorer GLX is a data collection, graphing, and analysis tool designed for science students and educators.
PASPORT Temperature Sensor (PS-2125) - $30
Durable stainless steel temperature sensor with a wide measurable range. For use with PASPORT Interfaces.
Probeware (ScienceWorkshop Systems)
750 Interface, USB (CI-7650) - $679
The 750 Interface allows students to measure force, temperature, pressure, angular velocity, acceleration, current, and magnetic field with a built-in function generator and oscilloscope mode.
Temperature Sensor (CI-6605A) - $39
Used for measuring the temperature of liquids, air, and other materials.
Other Products
Rotational Acceleration Tank (ME-8957) - $110
Demonstrates a centrifuge when used on the Rotating Platform (ME-8951).
Other Materials
- White paper background
- Food coloring (red, blue or both)
- Ice block or safety-freeze cold pack
- (Note: be sure it fits inside the tank.)
- Heat lamp or light bulb
Note: Requires (2) Temperature Sensors for both probewares
