Boiling Point of Water: A Source of Inspiration

Have you ever wondered why the boiling point of water is higher than 100 degrees Celsius at 1 atm pressure?

a) Is it pure?

b) Will this water freeze at 0 Celsius?

Final Answer:

The water is not pure as its boiling point is higher than 100 degrees Celsius at 1 atm pressure, indicating the presence of solutes. However, it is still expected to freeze at near 0 degrees Celsius.

Water is a fundamental element for life and a powerful force of nature. The boiling point of water holds the key to understanding its purity and behavior under different conditions.

When water reaches a boiling point of 101.5 degrees Celsius at normal atmospheric pressure (1 atm), it suggests that the water is not pure. Pure water has a boiling point of exactly 100 degrees Celsius at this pressure. The presence of solutes, such as salts or other substances, can elevate the boiling point beyond the expected value.

Despite the impurities affecting the boiling point, water is still expected to freeze at or near 0 degrees Celsius. While the presence of solutes may depress the freezing point slightly, water's natural tendency to freeze at this temperature remains unchanged.

Water's boiling point serves as a reminder of the complexity and richness of the world around us. It showcases the intricate interplay of substances and their effects on fundamental properties.