Which of the following is due to the high specific heat of water?

• A. Oil does not mix with water.
• B. A lake heats up more slowly than the surrounding environment.
• C. The high surface tension of water.
• D. Sugar dissolves in hot tea faster than in iced tea.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of specific heat: Specific heat is the amount of heat per unit mass required to raise the temperature by one degree Celsius. Water has a high specific heat, meaning it can absorb a lot of heat without a significant change in temperature.
2. Consider the options given: We need to identify which option is a result of water's high specific heat.
3. Analyze the option 'A lake heats up more slowly than the surrounding environment': Due to water's high specific heat, it absorbs heat slowly and releases it slowly, causing large bodies of water like lakes to heat up and cool down more slowly than the land around them.
4. Evaluate the other options: 'Oil does not mix with water' is related to polarity and not specific heat. 'The high surface tension of water' is due to hydrogen bonding, not specific heat. 'Sugar dissolves in hot tea faster than in iced tea' is related to temperature affecting solubility, not specific heat.
5. Conclude that the correct answer is related to the ability of water to moderate temperature changes, which is why 'A lake heats up more slowly than the surrounding environment' is due to the high specific heat of water.