Competency #3
Analyze the characteristics of solids, liquids, and gases
Learning Objective f
- f. Explain how a change in atmospheric pressure affects boiling point
Question
Write down your answer to the following question:
A beaker of room temperature water (77 °F; 25 °C) is placed into a sealed chamber. The initial pressure in the chamber is atmospheric pressure (14.7 lb/in2 = 101,325 Pa = 101,325 N/m2). Air is pumped out of the sealed chamber until the water begins to bubble vigorously. Which of the following statements best explains this phenomenon?
- The pressure has decreased enough that the water can boil at room temperature
- The pressure has increased enough that the water can boil at room temperature
- The water has increased to 100 ° C and is boiling
- The water is not really boiling
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