Which concept explains how energy transfer occurs in a fluid environment?

The correct choice highlights the concept of convection, which specifically describes the transfer of energy in fluids (liquids and gases) through the movement of the fluid itself. In convection, warmer, less dense portions of the fluid rise, while cooler, denser portions sink, creating a circulation pattern. This movement of fluid facilitates the transfer of thermal energy throughout the medium, which is particularly important in processes such as heating water in a pot, atmospheric wind patterns, and ocean currents.

This concept is distinct from radiation, which involves the transfer of energy through electromagnetic waves and does not require a medium to occur. Conduction pertains to heat transfer through direct contact between materials, typically solid objects, where heat moves from hotter to cooler areas without the movement of the material itself. Induction generally refers to generating electric currents or magnetic fields rather than energy transfer in fluids. Thus, convection is the most appropriate term for describing energy transfer in a fluid environment.