Question

A submerged heater is used in an aquarium to keep the water above room temperature. Should it be placed near the surface of the water or near the bottom to be most effective? Explain. (pick one)

a. The heater should be placed near the bottom so that there will be a natural circulation due to conduction.
b. The heater should be placed near the surface so that there will be a natural circulation due to convection.
c. The heater should be placed near the surface so that there will be a natural circulation due to conduction.
d. The heater should be placed near the bottom so that there will be a natural circulation due to convection.

Answer 1

The heater should be placed near the bottom to create a natural circulation due to convection, ensuring even distribution of warmth throughout the aquarium.

Step-by-step explanation:

The heater should be placed near the bottom so that there will be a natural circulation due to convection.

Convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids. In this case, as the heater warms the water near the bottom, the water becomes less dense and rises to the surface, while the cooler water near the surface sinks to the bottom. This circulation creates a continuous flow of warm water throughout the aquarium, keeping the entire tank at a higher temperature.

Placing the heater near the surface would cause the heated water to stay near the top, resulting in an uneven distribution of warmth and leaving the bottom of the tank cold.