Which term refers to the method of heat transfer through fluids or gases that conveys energy?

The term that refers to the method of heat transfer through fluids or gases, which conveys energy, is convection. In this process, warmer areas of a liquid or gas rise, while cooler areas sink, creating a circulation pattern that transfers heat. This is commonly observed in cooking applications such as boiling water, where the heated water at the bottom rises to the top, while cooler water descends, leading to an even distribution of heat throughout the liquid.

In contrast, conduction involves heat transfer through direct contact between materials, requiring a medium like metal or another solid to transfer energy. Radiation relies on electromagnetic waves to transfer heat and does not require a medium, which is how the sun's heat reaches us. Insulation refers to materials or techniques used to reduce heat transfer, rather than being a method of heat transfer itself. Thus, convection is the correct choice as it specifically describes the movement and transfer of heat through fluids and gases.