Boiling water temperature

Boiling water temperature

• A. 90°C
• B. 100°C
• C. 80°C
• D. 120°C

Answer: (B)

Boiling happens when a liquid reaches its boiling point at the surrounding pressure. For water at normal atmospheric pressure (sea level), that point is 100°C. So “boiling water” is about 100°C, which is why that option is the best pick. Keep in mind that altitude lowers the boiling point, so water may boil a bit below 100°C up high. Reaching 120°C in open boiling isn’t possible without increasing pressure (as in a pressure vessel), which is why that temperature isn't associated with open boiling. The other numbers (90°C, 80°C) are below the boiling point and wouldn’t be boiling water.

Boiling happens when a liquid reaches its boiling point at the surrounding pressure. For water at normal atmospheric pressure (sea level), that point is 100°C. So “boiling water” is about 100°C, which is why that option is the best pick.

Keep in mind that altitude lowers the boiling point, so water may boil a bit below 100°C up high. Reaching 120°C in open boiling isn’t possible without increasing pressure (as in a pressure vessel), which is why that temperature isn't associated with open boiling. The other numbers (90°C, 80°C) are below the boiling point and wouldn’t be boiling water.