Question

hurricanes often increase in strength as they travel over warm tropical ocean water. some of the energy for the increase in strength comes from the water. as the hurricane moves over the ocean, moist air is carried high into the atmosphere, and water vapor condenses as the temperature decreases at high altitudes. which of the following best explains the transfer of energy from water to the hurricanes as they increase in strength?
a energy is released as ocean water evaporates.
b energy is released as water vapor condenses.
c energy from the sun is absorbed by the water, causing it to condense.
d as altitude increases, the kinetic energy of water molecules increases.

Explanation:

When water vapor condenses (changes from gas to liquid), it releases latent heat. This heat energy is transferred to the hurricane, helping it increase in strength. Evaporation (A) absorbs energy. Sun's energy causing condensation (C) is incorrect as condensation releases energy. Kinetic energy of water molecules increasing with altitude (D) is wrong as temperature (related to kinetic energy) decreases with altitude.

Answer:

B. Energy is released as water vapor condenses.