The convective zone is a layer within a star, such as the Sun, where energy is transported by convection. In this zone, hot plasma rises toward the surface, cools down, and then sinks back down to be reheated. This process creates a continuous cycle that helps distribute heat throughout the star. In the Sun, the convective zone extends from about 200,000 kilometers to the surface. It is located above the radiative zone, where energy is transferred primarily through radiation. The movement of plasma in the convective zone also contributes to solar phenomena like sunspots and solar flares.