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In very humid climates where there are numerous bodies of

Chapter 14, Problem 11

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QUESTION:

In very humid climates where there are numerous bodies of water, such as in Florida, it is unusual for temperatures to rise above about \(35^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\left(95^{\circ} \mathrm{F}\right)\). In deserts, however, temperatures can rise far above this. Explain how the evaporation of water helps limit high temperatures in humid climates.

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QUESTION:

In very humid climates where there are numerous bodies of water, such as in Florida, it is unusual for temperatures to rise above about \(35^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\left(95^{\circ} \mathrm{F}\right)\). In deserts, however, temperatures can rise far above this. Explain how the evaporation of water helps limit high temperatures in humid climates.

ANSWER:

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Evaporation is an endothermic reaction,which means it takes in energy in order to progress. Evaporation is a phase of change from liquids to gas. During evaporation the thermal energy received by the liquid excites the molecule and provides enough kinetic energy to escape the liquid surface into the atmosphere.

Supposing that the surrounding atmosphere is noy yet saturated with the evaporating substance,molecules receiving enough kinetic energy could overcome the vapour pressure and leave the surface of the liquid. As the molecules with high kinetic energies escape the surface,the average kinetic energy of the liquid lowers thus becoming cooler. This is called evaporative cooling. This is why evaporating sweat cools the body. The amount of water that the atmosphere can hold is called humidity, which is greatly influenced by temperature and the availability of water. Water stops being turned into a vapour when it reaches its saturation point.

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