Question

question 4 1 pts the atmosphere responds more rapidly to temperature changes than do the oceans because the atmosphere ______ than water. has a lower specific heat capacity has a higher specific heat capacity is closer to the sun mixes more frequently has less salt

Explanation:

To determine why the atmosphere responds more rapidly to temperature changes than oceans, we analyze the concept of specific heat capacity. Specific heat capacity is the amount of heat required to change the temperature of a substance. A lower specific heat capacity means a substance changes temperature more easily (with less heat input). Water has a high specific heat capacity, so it resists temperature changes. The atmosphere (mostly gases) has a lower specific heat capacity than water, so it changes temperature more rapidly. The other options are incorrect: "has a higher specific heat capacity" would mean slower temperature change, "is closer to the sun" is irrelevant to the rate of temperature response, "mixes more frequently" is not the key factor, and "has less salt" is unrelated to heat response.

Answer:

A. has a lower specific heat capacity