My teacher says water can boil at temperatures other than one hundred degrees centrigrade! Is she right? What could cause that?
Yes, she's right. What temperature does it boil at for Fahrenheit?
373 fahrenheit?
100 degrees C = 212 degrees F
Yes, your teacher is correct. Water can indeed boil at temperatures other than 100 degrees Celsius (which is the boiling point at sea level). The boiling point of water depends on both the atmospheric pressure and any impurities dissolved in the water.
Atmospheric pressure plays a significant role in the boiling point of water. When the pressure around the water decreases, such as at higher altitudes or in a vacuum, the boiling point decreases as well. This means that water can boil at temperatures lower than 100 degrees Celsius if the pressure is reduced.
On the other hand, impurities in the water, such as dissolved salts or other substances, can increase the boiling point. These impurities disrupt the water molecules, making it more difficult for them to escape as vapor. As a result, the water needs to reach a higher temperature to overcome this resistance and boil.
For example, if you add salt to a pot of water, the boiling point will increase. This is why it takes longer for salted water to come to a boil compared to pure water.
So, in summary, both changes in atmospheric pressure and the presence of impurities can cause water to boil at temperatures other than 100 degrees Celsius.