Why does the sand on a beach cool down at night more quickly than the ocean water?

1 Answer
SCooke
Nov 30, 2015

The thermal conductivity and heat capacity of sand are less than those of water, so it does not absorb as much heat, and releases it more quickly.

Explanation:

Four factors are involved: The mass of the substance, the interface to another medium (air), the heat capacity of the substance, and the heat conductivity of the substance.

Related questions
See all questions in Specific Heat
Impact of this question
12809 views around the world
You can reuse this answer
Creative Commons License