The temperature at which a liquid boils depends on its specific properties and the surrounding atmospheric pressure. However, under normal atmospheric pressure, water boils at 100 degrees Celsius (212 degrees Fahrenheit).
At what temperature does a liquid boil?
The temperature at which a liquid boils is influenced by various factors, such as the specific properties of the liquid and the pressure exerted on it. One of the most well-known examples is water, which boils at 100 degrees Celsius (212 degrees Fahrenheit) under normal atmospheric pressure. However, it is important to note that the boiling point of a liquid can change with alterations in pressure.
To further explore this fascinating topic, here are some interesting facts:
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Boiling Point and Altitude: The boiling point of a liquid decreases as the altitude or elevation increases. This is because as the atmospheric pressure decreases at higher altitudes, less heat is required to reach the boiling point. For example, water boils at around 70 degrees Celsius (158 degrees Fahrenheit) on top of Mount Everest, where the atmospheric pressure is significantly lower.
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Factors affecting Boiling Point: Besides atmospheric pressure, the boiling point of a liquid is determined by its intermolecular forces and molecular weight. Liquids with stronger intermolecular forces or higher molecular weights tend to have higher boiling points.
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Boiling Point vs. Melting Point: While the boiling point represents the temperature at which a liquid changes into a gas, the melting point signifies the temperature at which a solid turns into a liquid. These points can vary significantly depending on the substance and its molecular structure.
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Pressure Cookers: Pressure cookers are widely used in cooking as they increase the boiling point of water. By increasing the pressure inside the cooker, less heat is required for water to reach its boiling point, thereby reducing cooking time.
Now, let’s delve into the intriguing world of science with a relevant quote:
“The boiling point of a liquid is the temperature at which its vapor pressure is equal to the external pressure.” – Unknown
To further supplement the information, here is a table showcasing the boiling points of some common substances at standard atmospheric pressure:
| Substance | Boiling Point (Degrees Celsius) | Boiling Point (Degrees Fahrenheit) |
|---|---|---|
| Water | 100 | 212 |
| Alcohol | 78 | 172 |
| Acetone | 56 | 132 |
| Ethanol | 78 | 173 |
| Glycerin | 290 | 554 |
Exploring the boiling points of various substances provides us with a deeper understanding of the unique characteristics of different liquids.
See what else I discovered
212 degrees FahrenheitThe boiling point of water is 212 degrees Fahrenheit or 100 degrees Celsius at sea level. That means in most places this is the temperatures of boiled water. However, as you rise above sea level water will boil at a lower temperature.
At sea level, water boils at 100° C (212° F).
It’s common to hear that water boils at 100°C. But if we’d like to be more precise, we should say that water boils at 100°C when it’s at atmospheric pressure. Why do we need to specify both temperature and pressure? It turns out that depending on the pressure, water or any other liquid has different boiling points.
In this video, you may find the answer to “At what temperature does a liquid boil?”
In the YouTube video “Boiling Water at Room Temperature,” the host demonstrates an experiment where water boils at room temperature. Despite the normal boiling point of water being 100 degrees Celsius, the water in the jar begins boiling at 21 degrees Celsius due to a decrease in pressure. Interestingly, the water molecules are able to escape, causing visible boiling, without a significant change in temperature. This experiment highlights that boiling can occur even at room temperature without a substantial temperature increase.
I am confident you will be intrigued
The normal boiling point of a liquid is the temperature at which its vapor pressure is equal to one atmosphere (760 torr).
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