What process warms the air next to a hot surface and then moves that warm air?

Convection is the correct answer because it describes the process in which warmer air is created when it comes into contact with a hot surface. As that air warms up, it becomes less dense and rises. This movement of warm air can lead to the formation of a circulation pattern, which helps to distribute heat throughout a space.

In the context of attic ventilation, convection is crucial because it allows for the efficient movement of air; hot air rises and can escape through vents, while cooler outside air enters to replace it. This dynamic is essential for maintaining a balanced temperature in the attic, preventing excess heat build-up which can lead to issues like roof damage or increased energy costs.

In contrast, conduction involves the direct transfer of heat through materials, such as when heat moves through the roof into the attic; evaporation pertains to the process of liquid turning into vapor, which is not related to warming and moving air directly; and radiation refers to the transfer of heat in the form of electromagnetic waves, such as heat from the sun warming a surface. Each of these processes functions differently and is not responsible for the movement of warm air next to a hot surface as convection is.