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.
b
The student should place the thermometer just under the sand, close to the water's edge.