The boiling point of a given liquid varies with what factor?

The boiling point of a given liquid varies with what factor?

• A. Density
• B. Viscosity
• C. Temperature
• D. Pressure

Answer: (D)

The boiling point of a liquid is primarily influenced by pressure. At higher pressures, the boiling point of a liquid increases, while at lower pressures, the boiling point decreases. This relationship occurs because boiling happens when the vapor pressure of the liquid equals the ambient pressure surrounding it. For instance, at sea level, where the atmospheric pressure is approximately 101.3 kPa (14.7 psi), water boils at 100 degrees Celsius. However, if you were to take this same water to a higher altitude, where the atmospheric pressure is lower, the boiling point would occur at a temperature lower than 100 degrees Celsius. Conversely, in a pressure cooker, where the pressure is increased, the boiling point of water is raised, allowing food to cook faster. The other factors listed, while they can impact the physical state and behavior of the liquid, do not have the same direct and significant effect on the boiling point as pressure does.

The boiling point of a liquid is primarily influenced by pressure. At higher pressures, the boiling point of a liquid increases, while at lower pressures, the boiling point decreases. This relationship occurs because boiling happens when the vapor pressure of the liquid equals the ambient pressure surrounding it.

For instance, at sea level, where the atmospheric pressure is approximately 101.3 kPa (14.7 psi), water boils at 100 degrees Celsius. However, if you were to take this same water to a higher altitude, where the atmospheric pressure is lower, the boiling point would occur at a temperature lower than 100 degrees Celsius. Conversely, in a pressure cooker, where the pressure is increased, the boiling point of water is raised, allowing food to cook faster.

The other factors listed, while they can impact the physical state and behavior of the liquid, do not have the same direct and significant effect on the boiling point as pressure does.