Question

question 5 of 10
why does the ocean heat and cool more slowly than the atmosphere?
a. the ocean has a lower density.
b. the atmosphere receives more of the suns energy.
c. the atmosphere has a higher heat capacity.
d. the ocean has a higher heat capacity.

Explanation:

Heat capacity is the amount of heat energy required to change the temperature of a substance. Water (in the ocean) has a higher heat capacity than air (in the atmosphere). A higher heat capacity means more energy is needed to change its temperature, so it heats up and cools down more slowly.

• Option A: Lower density does not explain slower heating/cooling.
• Option B: The ocean actually absorbs a large amount of the sun's energy.
• Option C: The atmosphere has a lower heat capacity than the ocean.
• Option D: Correct as the ocean's higher heat capacity leads to slower heating and cooling.

Answer:

D. The ocean has a higher heat capacity.