2006-11-27 15:11:18 · 7 answers · asked by taaxi1111 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
The higher the altitude, the lower the atmospheric pressure. The less atmospheric pressure that bears down on the surface of the liquid, the easier it is for water molecules to escape into the air. Thus, the water comes to its full rapid boil at a lower temperature in the mile-high city of Denver than it can in coastal Miami. For each thousand feet above sea level, the boiling point of water drops almost 2° F.
2006-11-27 15:19:03 · answer #1 · answered by Headshot 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Clausius-Clapeyron equation is the equation of a curve which rapidly gets steeper, of the vapour pressure of an evaporating liquid (vertical axis) against its temperature. When the vapour pressure of the liquid equals the pressure of the surrounding air, the liquid starts to boil. So water boils at a lower temperature the higher you are and the lower the air pressure. It works the other way too. At twice sea level pressure, water boils at 117 degrees Celsius instead of 100. 17 degrees hotter doesn't sound like much, but this is the temperature at which water boils in a pressure cooker and as a rough rule, cooking time is halved for every 10 degrees rise in temperature. If you need to do a research project on this topic, pressure cooking would be an interesting and useful subject.
2006-11-27 23:51:38 · answer #2 · answered by zee_prime 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is because of low atmospheric pressure. The water will not only boil below 100 degree C but also freeze above 0 degrees C. The boiling point is depressed and freezing point elevated.
2006-11-27 23:15:46 · answer #3 · answered by balstoall 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The definition of water boiling is when the atmospheric pressure is equal to the vapor pressure. Or in simpler terms, the water is exerting equal pressure (vapor pressure) on the atmosphere to the pressure the atmosphere is exerting on the water (atmospheric pressure). In higher altitudes, the atmospheric pressure is less (there is less air weighing down on a higher surface).
2006-11-27 23:14:41 · answer #4 · answered by Brian B 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You have your facts switched. Water boils quicker at lower altitudes, not higher altitudes. I won't tell you anymore because you need to do actual research. Don't come on Yahoo and expect someone to do your paper for you.
2006-11-27 23:13:31 · answer #5 · answered by Alicia L 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Pressure is less in a higher altitude.
2006-11-27 23:13:52 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
air is thin in a higher altitude
2006-11-27 23:14:02 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋