Question

How does the high specific heat of water help maintain the temperature of earth?

By heating and cooling more slowly than land or air
By heating and cooling faster than land or air
By heating faster but cooling more slowly than land or air
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Answer 1

A. By heating and cooling more slowly than land or air

Higher specific heat capacity means it requires more energy per mol to heat, and it holds onto that heat quite well.

Answer 2

With the reduction in the temperature of the water, the formation of hydrogen bonds takes place and discharge a substantial concentration of energy. Water possesses the highest specific heat capacity in comparison to any liquid. The specific heat is illustrated as the concentration of heat absorbed or lost by 1 gram of a substance to modify its temperature by 1 degree C. The high specific heat of water assists in maintaining the temperature of the Earth by cooling and heating more gradually than air or land.