What term describes a condition where hot air remains at the top of a room while cold air is at the bottom?

The term that accurately describes the condition where hot air remains at the top of a room while cold air occupies the bottom is "stratified air." This phenomenon occurs due to the natural behavior of warm air, which is less dense and rises, leaving cooler, denser air closer to the ground. This stratification leads to distinct layers of air with varying temperatures within a space, hence the term "stratified."

Understanding this concept is important as it has practical implications for heating and cooling systems, as well as for overall comfort in a room. Proper ventilation and air circulation strategies can help mitigate the effects of stratified air, ensuring more uniform temperature distribution.