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EphemeralNight comments on Open thread, Mar. 16 - Mar. 22, 2015 - Less Wrong
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I have a random physics question:
A solid sphere, in ordinary atmosphere, with a magical heating element at one pole and a magical refrigeration element at the other. If the sphere itself is stationary and at room temperature; one pole is super-cooled while the opposite pole is super-heated. (Edit: Assume the axis connecting the poles is horizontal.)
What effect does this have on air-flow around the sphere? Does it move? If so, in which direction?
Well, of course, the hot pole will heat the air around it and warm air rises. Same thing for the cold pole and cold air sinks. The specifics depend on how the poles are oriented with respect to gravity.