Apentix/AP Biology/Unit 1: Chemistry of Life/Question
AP Biologyeasymcq1 pt

Cities next to the ocean have gentler temperature swings between day and night than inland cities at the same latitude. Which property of water contributes most to this moderation?

A.Its high specific heat, which lets the ocean absorb and release large amounts of heat with little temperature change
B.Its low surface tension, which spreads absorbed sunlight evenly over the surface
C.Its capillary action, which pumps warm water down into deep basins
D.Its rising density as it warms, which locks heat permanently at the bottom

Explanation

Core Concept

Because much of the energy absorbed by water goes into bending and breaking hydrogen bonds rather than into molecular motion, seawater must gain far more heat than sand or air to rise the same number of degrees. The ocean therefore buffers nearby air: it soaks up heat by day and in summer and releases it slowly at night and in winter. Surface tension and capillarity are cohesion phenomena unrelated to heat storage, and warmed surface water floats above colder, denser water rather than sinking.

Correct Answer

AIts high specific heat, which lets the ocean absorb and release large amounts of heat with little temperature change

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