In New York City, a budding scientist and alumni of Success Academy measured the boiling point of water to be 99.97°C, not 100°C. What factors might have led to this discrepancy
Several factors might have led to the discrepancy in measuring the boiling point of water as 99.97°C instead of 100°C. Here are a few possibilities:
1. Instrumental error: The accuracy of the thermometer used to measure the boiling point could have been compromised. Thermometers can have variations in calibration or may not have been properly calibrated before use.
2. Atmospheric pressure: The boiling point of water is influenced by atmospheric pressure. If the measurement was taken at a different elevation or during weather conditions that affected the atmospheric pressure, it could have contributed to the deviation.
3. Contaminants: The presence of impurities or contaminants in the water can affect its boiling point. Even small amounts of substances dissolved in the water, such as minerals or pollutants, can slightly increase or decrease the boiling point.
4. Evaporation during measurement: If there was a delay between heating the water to boiling point and taking the measurement, some water could have evaporated, leading to a lower temperature reading.
5. Human error: Inaccurate recording, misjudgment of the exact boiling point, or a slight delay in stopping the heat source could introduce errors in the measurement.
6. Calibration of the temperature scale: The temperature scale used might not be precisely calibrated, leading to slight differences in measurements compared to the accepted boiling point.
There are several factors that could have led to the discrepancy in measuring the boiling point of water in New York City. Let's explore some possible reasons:
1. Elevation: The boiling point of water is affected by altitude or elevation. At higher altitudes, where the air pressure is lower, the boiling point of water decreases. New York City's altitude is relatively low, so this factor may not have had a significant impact, but it's worth considering.
2. Instrument calibration: It is crucial to ensure that the measurement instruments used are accurately calibrated. If the thermometer used to measure the boiling point of water is not properly calibrated, it could lead to inaccurate readings.
3. Impurities in the water: The presence of impurities in water can affect its boiling point. For example, dissolved substances like salt or minerals can raise the boiling point of water. However, since we're talking about distilled water, which is typically used in scientific experiments, impurities may not be a significant factor in this case.
4. Heating source: The heating source used to boil the water can affect the temperature obtained. If the heat source is not evenly distributed or not powerful enough, it may not generate enough heat to raise the water to its true boiling point.
5. Experimental errors: Human errors during the experiment, such as inaccurately measuring the water temperature or imprecise timing, can also contribute to the discrepancy.
To pinpoint the exact cause, additional details about the experimental setup, such as the specific instruments used and the exact procedure followed, would be necessary. It is essential to meticulously consider and control all these factors to obtain accurate measurements in scientific experiments.
There are several factors that might have led to the discrepancy between the measured boiling point of water and the expected value of 100°C. Here are some possible factors to consider:
1. Elevation: The boiling point of water varies with altitude. Since New York City is not at sea level, the elevation might have affected the boiling point. Higher altitudes generally have lower atmospheric pressure, which can cause the boiling point of water to be lower than 100°C.
2. Instrument accuracy: The accuracy of the equipment used to measure the boiling point could be a factor. It is important to ensure that the thermometer used is properly calibrated and accurate. Any inaccuracies in the measuring instrument could result in a discrepancy in the measured boiling point.
3. Presence of impurities: Pure water boils at 100°C at sea level, but the presence of impurities can affect the boiling point. Common impurities in water, such as dissolved salts or minerals, can raise the boiling point of water. If the water used in the experiment had impurities, it could have resulted in a higher boiling point measurement.
4. Heating method: The heating method used during the experiment can also impact the boiling point. If the water was heated too quickly, it might not have reached a uniform temperature throughout, resulting in a slightly lower measured boiling point.
5. Experimental errors: Human errors can also contribute to the discrepancy. Examples include inadequate stirring of the water during heating, inaccurately reading the thermometer, or not maintaining a constant heat source.
It is important to consider these factors and conduct further experiments to understand the exact reason for the discrepancy in the measured boiling point.