Boiling Point of Pure Water:
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The boiling point of water is the temperature at which the vapor pressure of the liquid equals the pressure surrounding the liquid and the liquid changes into a vapor. At standard atmospheric pressure (1 atm), pure water boils at 100°C (212°F).
The calculator uses the standard boiling point of water:
For other pressures, it applies a simplified approximation:
Where:
Details: Understanding water's boiling point is essential in cooking, chemistry experiments, engineering applications, and meteorological studies. The boiling point changes with altitude and weather conditions.
Tips: Enter pressure in atmospheres (atm). Leave the field empty to calculate the standard boiling point at 1 atm. For accurate results at different altitudes, use precise atmospheric pressure values.
Q1: Why does water boil at different temperatures at different altitudes?
A: Atmospheric pressure decreases with altitude, which lowers the boiling point of water.
Q2: How much does the boiling point change with altitude?
A: Approximately 1°C for every 293-meter increase in altitude (or 1°F for every 500-foot increase).
Q3: Does adding salt affect the boiling point?
A: Yes, adding salt increases the boiling point slightly (boiling point elevation), but the effect is small for typical cooking amounts.
Q4: What is the boiling point of water in a pressure cooker?
A: In a typical pressure cooker (at about 1.3-1.5 atm), water boils at approximately 105-110°C.
Q5: Why is the boiling point important in cooking?
A: Cooking times and temperatures need adjustment at different altitudes to ensure proper food preparation.