Which ocean lies between the east coast of Africa and the west coast of Australia?

Introduction / Context:
This question checks basic world map knowledge about the positions of the major oceans. Understanding which ocean lies between which continents is a foundation for grasping trade routes, climate patterns, and cultural connections. Here, the question asks which ocean separates the east coast of Africa from the west coast of Australia, two widely separated landmasses in the Southern Hemisphere.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The continents mentioned are Africa and Australia.
• The question asks about the ocean lying between them.
• The options are Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, and Arctic Oceans.
• We assume a standard world map orientation, with north at the top and the prime meridian running through Greenwich.

Concept / Approach:
Africa lies mainly to the south of Europe, with its east coast facing toward Asia and Australia. Australia lies to the southeast of Asia. The ocean that stretches between eastern Africa, southern Asia, and western Australia is the Indian Ocean. The Atlantic Ocean is between the Americas and Europe or Africa, the Pacific Ocean lies between Asia and the Americas, and the Arctic Ocean surrounds the North Pole. Therefore, the only correct choice for the ocean between Africa and Australia is the Indian Ocean.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Visualise the world map. Place Africa in the centre left and Australia in the lower right of this mental image. Step 2: Notice that the broad body of water stretching from eastern Africa across to western Australia is the Indian Ocean. Step 3: Recall that the Atlantic Ocean lies between the eastern coasts of the Americas and the western coasts of Europe and Africa, not between Africa and Australia. Step 4: Remember that the Pacific Ocean lies mostly between Asia and the Americas and continues southward but does not directly separate Africa and Australia. Step 5: The Arctic Ocean is located around the North Pole, far north of both Africa and Australia, so it cannot be between them. Thus, Indian Ocean is the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, think of countries on the east coast of Africa, such as Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique, whose coastlines are on the Indian Ocean. Similarly, the western coast of Australia, including Perth, opens onto the Indian Ocean. Many shipping routes connecting Africa, the Middle East, India, and Australia pass through this ocean. These associations reinforce that India and East Africa share the Indian Ocean, not the Atlantic or Pacific.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A, the Atlantic Ocean, is incorrect because it lies between the Americas and Europe or Africa. Option B, the Pacific Ocean, is wrong because it is located largely between Asia and the Americas. Option D, the Arctic Ocean, is far to the north around the polar region and does not lie between Africa and Australia. None of these correctly describe the body of water that separates the two continents mentioned.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is quickly choosing the Pacific because it is the largest ocean, without thinking about the specific continents mentioned. Another pitfall is to mix up the Indian and Atlantic Oceans on the African coasts. To avoid this, remember that the west coast of Africa touches the Atlantic Ocean, while the east coast touches the Indian Ocean. Australia faces the Indian Ocean to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east.

Final Answer:
The ocean that lies between Africa and Australia is the Indian Ocean.