What is the main cause of heat loss through convection?

Heat loss through convection primarily occurs when circulating cool air moves across the body's surface. This process involves the transfer of heat away from the skin to the surrounding air. When air is heated by body heat, it becomes less dense and rises, allowing cooler air to move in to replace it, which continues the cycle of heat loss. The rate of heat loss increases with wind or movement of air, making convection a significant factor in how we lose heat, especially in cooler environments.

In contrast, direct contact with a cold object pertains to conduction rather than convection, where heat transfer occurs directly between materials in contact. Radiant energy transfer, as mentioned, refers to heat being emitted in the form of infrared radiation and does not involve air circulation. Increased metabolism during physical activity can actually lead to heat production rather than loss, highlighting the distinction between metabolic processes and heat transfer mechanisms.