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Boiling Point Equation:
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The boiling point altitude equation calculates how the boiling point of water decreases with increasing altitude. At higher altitudes, atmospheric pressure decreases, which lowers the temperature at which water boils.
The calculator uses the boiling point equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation shows that for every meter increase in altitude, the boiling point of water decreases by approximately 0.0033°C from the standard boiling point of 100°C at sea level.
Details: Understanding how boiling point changes with altitude is crucial for cooking, scientific experiments, and various industrial processes that involve boiling water or other liquids.
Tips: Enter altitude in meters above sea level. The value must be a non-negative number (0 or greater).
Q1: Why does boiling point decrease with altitude?
A: As altitude increases, atmospheric pressure decreases. Since boiling occurs when vapor pressure equals atmospheric pressure, water boils at lower temperatures at higher altitudes.
Q2: How accurate is this equation?
A: This is a simplified linear approximation. The actual relationship is more complex and depends on various atmospheric conditions, but this equation provides a good estimate for most practical purposes.
Q3: Does this apply to other liquids besides water?
A: While the principle applies to all liquids (lower pressure = lower boiling point), the specific coefficients would be different for other substances.
Q4: What's the boiling point at extreme altitudes?
A: At very high altitudes (e.g., Mount Everest at 8,848m), water boils at around 68°C, which significantly affects cooking times and food preparation.
Q5: Are there more precise formulas available?
A: Yes, more complex formulas exist that account for additional factors like humidity and temperature, but this simple linear equation is sufficient for most general purposes.