Question

scenario:
on a sunny afternoon, a metal pier and the surrounding water are heated by sunlight. a breeze blows over the pier and the water, warming the air above them. which statement best explains how the air is heated in this scenario?
a. radiation from the sun heats the surface, and conduction transfers heat from the land and water to the air
b. air heats itself without contact with land or water
c. the sun’s energy heats only the air directly, not the surface
d. conduction only happens in solids, so air above water cannot be heated

Explanation:

The Sun first heats the land and water surfaces via radiation. Then, the warm surfaces transfer heat to the air above them through conduction, and the breeze distributes this warm air. Option A correctly describes this sequence. Option B is incorrect because air needs a heat source (like warm surfaces) to heat up. Option C is wrong because the Sun's radiation heats the surfaces directly first, not the air. Option D is incorrect because air can be heated via conduction from warm water surfaces, and convection also plays a role in heating air.

Answer:

A. Radiation from the Sun heats the surface, and conduction transfers heat from the land and water to the air