This phenomenon, where air containing smoke and combustion products is heated, becomes less dense, rises, and forms a distinct layer until the surrounding air is at the same temperature, is called

This phenomenon, where air containing smoke and combustion products is heated, becomes less dense, rises, and forms a distinct layer until the surrounding air is at the same temperature, is called

• A. Buoyancy
• B. Stratification
• C. Convection
• D. Diffusion

Answer: (B)

Stratification describes the formation of distinct layers in a fluid due to differences in density, often from heating. When air containing smoke and combustion products is heated, its density drops and it becomes buoyant, so it rises. As this lighter air moves upward, it tends to collect near the ceiling, creating a hot, smoke-rich layer above the cooler air below. The two layers remain separate until the surrounding air reaches the same temperature or mixing occurs. This stable layering, caused by the density gradient from heating, is why stratification is the correct term.

Stratification describes the formation of distinct layers in a fluid due to differences in density, often from heating. When air containing smoke and combustion products is heated, its density drops and it becomes buoyant, so it rises. As this lighter air moves upward, it tends to collect near the ceiling, creating a hot, smoke-rich layer above the cooler air below. The two layers remain separate until the surrounding air reaches the same temperature or mixing occurs. This stable layering, caused by the density gradient from heating, is why stratification is the correct term.