Question

How does the latent heat of fusion of water help slow the decrease of air temperatures, perhaps preventing temperatures from falling significantly below 0ºC, in the vicinity of large bodies of water?

a) It accelerates air temperature decrease.

b) It releases heat when freezing.

c) It absorbs heat when freezing.

d) It has no effect on air temperature.

Answer 1

The latent heat of fusion of water absorbs heat when freezing, helping to slow the decrease of air temperatures near large bodies of water and preventing temperatures from falling significantly below 0°C.

Step-by-step explanation:

The latent heat of fusion of water absorbs heat when freezing, which helps slow the decrease of air temperatures in the vicinity of large bodies of water, preventing temperatures from falling significantly below 0°C.

When water freezes, it releases heat into the surroundings, keeping the surrounding air temperatures above freezing.

This phenomenon is important for weather and climate as it helps moderate the temperatures in areas near large bodies of water, preventing them from getting too cold.