What describes the transfer of heat by warming the air next to a hot surface?

The transfer of heat by warming the air next to a hot surface is accurately described by convection. Convection is the process by which heat is transferred through fluids (liquids and gases) by the movement of the fluid itself. When air comes into contact with a hot surface, the air molecules closest to that surface gain energy and become warmer. As these molecules heat up, they become less dense and rise. This upward movement allows cooler air to move in to take its place, creating a circulation pattern.

This process is fundamental to many everyday phenomena, such as the heating of a room by a radiator. The warm air rises, and as it does, it cools down and sinks back down, where it gets heated again, creating a continuous cycle of heat transfer. This explains why convection is the correct choice in this context, as it specifically pertains to the movement of air and its role in distributing heat.