If heat rises.....

[benny3008]

How does the heat from the sun get to us, why does it not just go straight up in to space to never be felt again by anyone in this universe. Surely the sun is higher than us, we don't look down to see the sun. I may be missing something, in which case please let me know but I'm curious you see. :-)

[ChuckFickens]

Which way is up in space?

[Buenchico]

So who didn't pay attention in their Science lessons then? ;-)

Heat is transferred in one of three ways:
CONDUCTION is what happens when you put one end of an iron rod into a fire and then burn your hand on the other end. (It's not relevant to your question but I've mentioned it anyway).

CONVECTION is what happens when a gas or liquid is heated and then moves. The hot air from a fan heater is blown towards you by the fan but, even without a fan, hot air will rise above colder air. (Note that it's not the heat itself which rises; it's the gas or liquid holding that heat which actually rises).

RADIATION occurs when energy is radiated (in a straight line) from the heat source. So the heat coming from an old-fashioned electric heater (with the glowing bars) is radiated towards you, as the heat from a light bulb.

There's a vacuum between the Sun and the Earth, so convection is irrelevant. (i.e. there are no gases or liquids to convey heat). The only way that heat can get from the Sun to us is by radiation.

Concepts of 'up' and 'down' are based upon the effects of the Earth's gravity and our position upon the Earth's surface. (Look at a globe and imagine a space ship landing vertically onto the North Pole. Then consider one taking off vertically from the South Pole. They're both moving in the same direction but local observers would see one as coming down and the other as going up). So they're completely meaningless when looking at objects beyond the Earth. (The Sun is 'up' from the UK during the day, but 'down' underneath the Earth at night).

Chris

[VHG]

>Which way is up in space?

I was going to ask exactly the same thing.

Maybe he thinks the North Pole is the top of the Earth and the South Pole is the bottom.

[factor-fiction]

Good answer, chris. And I agree with everyone that 'up' in space is in every direction!

[heathfield]

Actually, splitting hairs, all heat is transferred by radiation. Conduction and convection are the results of radiation within a solid, a gas, or a liquid.

[squarebear]

If heat rises up then shouldn't Hell be cold? ;-)

[factor-fiction]

We agree heathfield- in fact chris did say that only radiation is relevant in the case of space which is a vacuum.

[nightmare]

benny,
judging by your question, I have to ask this............
Are you aware that the Earth orbits the Sun ?

[benny3008]

Thanx for all your answers, particularly yours chris, when i have a few days spare i shall have a look through it, lol, and nightmare, i do know the earth orbits the sun! I guess your right, every way in space is 'up'!

[Haynes67]

I find it incredible that you did not know this?
Just how old are you Benny? I hope I am taking to an adult, but may I suggest if you are under 18 you ask your parents and if you over 18 you still ask your parents.
Never the less the answers I read are all correct. Suggest you go back to school, perhaps evening classes, If you are an adult ask about foundation learning and you will be amazed at the things you learn.
Good luck