Warm air rising off the pavement on a hot day is an example of heat transfer by __________.

Warm air rising off the pavement on a hot day is indeed an example of heat transfer by convection. Convection is the process by which heat is transferred through fluids, which can be liquids or gases, due to the movement of the fluid itself. When the pavement heats up under the sun, it warms the air directly above it. As this air becomes warmer, it becomes less dense and begins to rise. Cooler, denser air then moves in to take its place, creating a convection current.

This phenomenon is a key aspect of how heat moves through the atmosphere and explains many weather patterns and temperature distribution in various environments. Understanding convection is crucial in HVAC applications, as it affects how air is warmed and distributed within living spaces.