UPSC Prelims PYQ 2023: Specific heat of water vs land and temperature...
Consider the following statements:
- Statement-I: The temperature contrast between continents and oceans is greater during summer than in winter.
- Statement-II: The specific heat of water is more than that of land surface.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
- Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
- Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
- Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
- Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
Explanation
Statement-I is incorrect
- During summer, although land heats up more quickly and to higher temperatures than water, the overall temperature difference between land and water is not as noticeable because both are relatively warm.
- Conversely, in winter, land cools down faster and to lower temperatures than water, resulting in a more pronounced temperature difference between them.
Statement-II is correct
- Specific heat capacity is the amount of heat required per unit mass to change its temperature by one degree. The specific heat of water is 2.5 times that of landmass; water takes longer to heat up and cool down.
Answer: (d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct; Difficulty Level: Medium
