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what is the boiling point of a substance?
The boiling point of a substance is the temperature at which a liquid will change into a gas at atmospheric pressure. It is similar to the melting point of a substance, which is the temperature at which a solid will change into a liquid.
Boiling points are often used as an indication of volatility for chemicals. A higher boiling point indicates stronger inter-molecular forces and a lower vapour pressure.
How is the boiling point of a substance determined?
The boiling point of a substance can be determined by using a Boiling Point Apparatus. This apparatus consists of a container of liquid, a heater, and a mercury manometer to measure the vapor pressure of the liquid.
Water is commonly boiled at 100°C, but the boiling point differs at different altitudes due to changes in atmospheric pressure. On Mount Everest, for example, the boiling point is 68°C instead of the standard 100°C.
Besides the difference in air pressure, there are also other factors that affect the boiling point of a liquid. These include the purity of the liquid, and any dissolved solids that are present.
While the boiling point of a pure substance is defined by its composition, mixtures may have different boiling points depending on how the ingredients interact with each other. Therefore, a boiling point range is a better descriptor. For example, petroleum ether (a mixture of various aliphatic hydrocarbons) typically has a boiling point of 42 to 62 degC.