Textbook Question
From what you have learned about water, why do coastal regions tend to have milder climates with cooler summers and warmer winters than do inland areas at the same latitude?
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2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components
Properties of Water- Thermal
Multiple Choice
Which of the following is due to the high specific heat of water?
A
Oil does not mix with water.
B
A lake heats up more slowly than the surrounding environment.
C
The high surface tension of water.
D
Sugar dissolves in hot tea faster than in iced tea.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of specific heat: Specific heat is the amount of heat required to change the temperature of a substance by a certain amount. Water has a high specific heat, meaning it can absorb a lot of heat without a significant change in temperature.
Consider the implications of high specific heat: Because water can absorb a lot of heat without changing temperature quickly, environments with large bodies of water, like lakes, tend to heat up and cool down more slowly compared to their surroundings.
Analyze the options given: The option 'A lake heats up more slowly than the surrounding environment' directly relates to the high specific heat of water, as it explains how water's ability to absorb heat affects temperature changes in natural settings.
Evaluate other options: The other options, such as oil not mixing with water, high surface tension, and sugar dissolving faster in hot tea, are related to different properties of water, such as polarity, cohesion, and solubility, rather than specific heat.
Conclude the reasoning: Based on the analysis, the correct answer is the option that describes the effect of water's high specific heat on environmental temperature changes, which is 'A lake heats up more slowly than the surrounding environment.'
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