A student visiting a beach is curious why, on a sunny day, the air, sand, and water all feel like they are different temperatures. The student obtains three thermometers to take temperature measurements of the air, sand, and water. The student places a floating thermometer in the water for 15 minutes and records the temperature. Next, the student stands on the beach with a hand-held thermometer for 15 minutes to record the temperature of the air. The student needs to take the temperature of the sand, but is unsure where to place the third thermometer.
Which answer choice below describes the best location to accurately measure the temperature of the sand?
a
The student should place the thermometer in the sand under the water where the temperature of the water was measured.
b
The student should place the thermometer just under the sand, close to the water's edge.
c
The student should lay the thermometer on top of the sand where the water and sand meet.
d
The student should hold the thermometer close to the sand near the edge of the water.
b. The student should place the thermometer just under the sand, close to the water's edge. This will give a more accurate reading of the temperature of the sand, as it is closer to the surface that is being exposed to the sun. Placing the thermometer under the water where the temperature of the water was measured or on top of the sand where the water and sand meet may not accurately reflect the temperature of the sand. Holding the thermometer close to the sand near the edge of the water may also not give an accurate reading as the temperature may vary depending on how deeply the thermometer is inserted into the sand.
The idea the answered but I think the answer is D
The best location to accurately measure the temperature of the sand is option b - the student should place the thermometer just under the sand, close to the water's edge.
The best location to accurately measure the temperature of the sand in this scenario would be option c: the student should lay the thermometer on top of the sand where the water and sand meet.
Explanation:
When measuring the temperature of an object, it is important to place the thermometer in a location that is representative of the temperature of the object. In this case, the student wants to measure the temperature of the sand. Placing the thermometer under the water where the temperature of the water was measured (option a) would not accurately represent the temperature of the sand. Similarly, placing the thermometer just under the sand, close to the water's edge (option b) may not give an accurate measurement as the surface of the sand may be influenced by the nearby water.
Option c suggests placing the thermometer on top of the sand where the water and sand meet. This location would best represent the temperature of the sand as it is not directly influenced by the body of water but is still in close proximity to it. The sand and water typically exchange heat, so this area is likely to have a temperature that represents the overall temperature of the sand.
Option d suggests holding the thermometer close to the sand near the edge of the water. However, this method may not be accurate as the body heat from the student's hand could influence the temperature reading and provide an inaccurate measurement.
Therefore, the best choice to accurately measure the temperature of the sand would be option c: the student should lay the thermometer on top of the sand where the water and sand meet.