❓ why
Why do bubbles in boiling water form at a specific temperature?
ChemistryPhase changes
Quick Answer
Bubbles form when water reaches the point where its vapor pressure matches the surrounding pressure. At normal sea-level pressure, that is about 100 °C.
The Full Story
Water boils when its molecules have enough energy to escape from liquid into gas throughout the liquid, not just at the surface. At sea level, the external pressure is about 1 atmosphere, and water boils at roughly 100 °C. At higher altitudes, atmospheric pressure is lower, so water boils at a lower temperature. That is why cooking times and boiling points can change in the mountains.
Key Facts
1.Water boils at about 100 °C at 1 atmosphere
2.Boiling point decreases at higher altitude
3.Boiling happens when vapor pressure matches external pressure
YouTube Angle
Suggested video title for this topic:
"Why does water boil earlier on a mountain than at the beach?"