Atmospheric Pressure & Boiling Point

What is vapor pressure chemistry cartoon

What is vapor pressure?

Water always evaporates no matter what the temperature or atmospheric pressure is.

Even in the coldest of winter, snow and ice can evaporate by a process called sublimation. They can turn straight into vapor (the gaseous stage) without melting.

The vapor that escaped into the air whether by evaporation or sublimation had sufficient energy to break away from the intermolecular forces of the water.

The vapor molecules are in constant motion exerting a force on the container or the air around. This force is termed vapor pressure.

Vapor pressure is the force the gas exerts in a closed container or space.

Therefore, in order for a liquid to boil, the vapor pressure of the liquid must equal that of the atmospheric pressure

For liquid to boil, the vapor pressure of the liquid must equal that of the atmospheric pressure

Vapor pressure of the liquid and atmospheric pressure

 

Why the boiling point of a liquid is affected by the atmospheric pressure?

The atmosphere contains molecules that are in constant motion. They exert a downward force on a liquid’s surface. The higher the air pressure, the harder it is for the liquid to evaporate. Therefore, the boiling point of a solvent or liquid is affected by the atmospheric pressure and boiling point is raised.

A liquid in a high pressure environment boils at a higher temperature.

When placed in a lower pressure environment it boils at a lower temperature.

At higher altitude, does water boil faster or slower?

Water boil faster at higher altitude

You often hear that the air is thinner on a mountain and some people get nose bleeds, dizziness, and nausea at high altitudes because there is less oxygen.

In the illustration above, if you’re on the mountain top, the height of air (H1) above you is lower than in the valley (H2). Therefore, the atmospheric pressure you experience will be lower.

When the atmospheric pressure is reduced, the water molecules on the surface of the water need less energy to bounce upwards to escape into the atmosphere.

Therefore, the water on the mountain top is able to boil at a lower boiling point.

Evaporation also takes place at a faster rate.

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6 thoughts on “Atmospheric Pressure & Boiling Point

  1. I found your info and thought it was very well done and easy to understand. I teach 7th graders and they have a hard time with these concepts. I found your pictures and explanations very easy to understand. Well done!!

    1. Vickie, thank you for your feedback it’s very much appreciated! If you have any thoughts about any chemistry topics you would like us to illustrate please don’t hesitate to contact us.

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