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?
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-1 is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
Answer: B
Let’s analyze each statement:
Statement I: The temperature contrast between continents and oceans is greater during summer than in winter.
- This statement is correct. During summer, land surfaces tend to heat up more quickly and to higher temperatures than ocean surfaces due to differences in heat absorption and heat capacity. This temperature contrast between continents and oceans is greater during the summer season.
Statement II: The specific heat of water is more than that of land surface.
- This statement is also correct. Water has a higher specific heat capacity compared to land surfaces. This means that water requires more heat energy to raise its temperature compared to an equivalent mass of land. As a result, water heats up and cools down more slowly compared to land surfaces.
While both statements are correct, Statement II is not the direct explanation for Statement I. The greater temperature contrast during summer is primarily influenced by the differential heating rates and heat capacities of land and water, as well as other factors such as ocean currents and atmospheric circulation patterns.
Therefore, the correct answer is (b) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct, but Statement II is not the correct explanation for Statement I.
