Answer: Thermal Properties of the OceansSeasonal | StudySoup

Textbook Solutions for College Physics

Chapter 12 Problem 103GP

Question

Problem 103PP

Thermal Properties of the Oceans

Seasonal temperature changes in the ocean only affect the top layer of water, to a depth of 500 m or so. This “mixed” layer is thermally isolated from the cold, deep water below. The average temperature of this top layer of the world’s oceans, which has area , is approximately 17°C.

In addition to seasonal temperature changes, the oceans have experienced an overall warming trend over the last century that is expected to continue as the earth’s climate changes. A warmer ocean means a larger volume of water; the oceans will rise. Suppose the average temperature of the top layer of the world’s oceans were to increase from a temperature . The area of the oceans will not change, as this is fixed by the size of the ocean basin, so any thermal expansion of the water will cause the water level to rise, as shown in Figure P12.109. The original volume is the product of the original depth and the surface area, . The change in volume is given by ΔV = A Δd.

Water’s coefficient of expansion varies with temperature. For water at 2°C, an increase in temperature of 1°C would cause the volume to

A. Increase.

B. Stay the same.

C. Decrease.

Solution

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The first step in solving 12 problem number trying to solve the problem we have to refer to the textbook question: Problem 103PPThermal Properties of the OceansSeasonal temperature changes in the ocean only affect the top layer of water, to a depth of 500 m or so. This “mixed” layer is thermally isolated from the cold, deep water below. The average temperature of this top layer of the world’s oceans, which has area , is approximately 17°C.In addition to seasonal temperature changes, the oceans have experienced an overall warming trend over the last century that is expected to continue as the earth’s climate changes. A warmer ocean means a larger volume of water; the oceans will rise. Suppose the average temperature of the top layer of the world’s oceans were to increase from a temperature . The area of the oceans will not change, as this is fixed by the size of the ocean basin, so any thermal expansion of the water will cause the water level to rise, as shown in Figure P12.109. The original volume is the product of the original depth and the surface area, . The change in volume is given by ΔV = A Δd.Water’s coefficient of expansion varies with temperature. For water at 2°C, an increase in temperature of 1°C would cause the volume toA. Increase.B. Stay the same.C. Decrease.
From the textbook chapter Thermal Properties of Matter you will find a few key concepts needed to solve this.

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full solution

Title College Physics 12 
Author Randall D. Knight
ISBN 9780321595492

Answer: Thermal Properties of the OceansSeasonal

Chapter 12 textbook questions

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