The boiling point of water is 100°C (at standard atmospheric pressure, which is 1 atmosphere or 101.3 kPa).
Characteristics of Boiling Water
- Phase Change - At 100°C, water undergoes a phase change from liquid to gas (steam). This transition occurs because the heat energy supplied is sufficient to break the hydrogen bonds between water molecules, allowing them to escape as vapor.
- Pressure Dependence - The boiling point of water is affected by atmospheric pressure. At higher altitudes where atmospheric pressure is lower, the boiling point of water decreases. Conversely, in a pressure cooker where the pressure is increased, the boiling point of water rises.
- Energy Absorption - The process of boiling requires the absorption of latent heat of vaporization, which is the energy needed to convert water from liquid to vapor without changing its temperature. This is why water remains at 100°C while it boils.