Question

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

a) By absorbing heat during freezing, releasing it during melting.

b) By reducing the specific heat of water.

c) By increasing the thermal conductivity of ice.

d) By preventing water from freezing

Answer 1

The latent heat of fusion of water absorbs heat during freezing, which is released into the surrounding environment. This heat release helps to moderate air temperatures and prevent them from dropping significantly below 0°C near large bodies of water.

Step-by-step explanation:

The latent heat of fusion of water plays a significant role in moderating air temperatures near large bodies of water, particularly when temperatures approach 0°C. As water freezes and turns into ice, it releases a substantial amount of energy to the environment.

This release of energy occurs because the process of turning liquid water at 0°C into ice requires the removal of heat without a change in temperature, which is the latent heat of fusion. Consequently, as water begins to freeze and releases this heat, the surrounding air absorbs this energy, which helps to slow down the decrease in air temperatures, preventing drastic drops below freezing point.

The absorption of heat during the freezing process is essential in creating an insulating effect over bodies of water. This not only protects the aquatic life by maintaining a habitable temperature beneath the ice but also significantly influences local climates. For regions adjacent to large lakes, seas, or oceans, this phenomenon can result in a milder climate, contrasting to the more extreme temperatures found further inland during the winter months.