Yes, water can boil at temperatures higher than 100 degrees Celsius. This happens when the pressure on the water is increased.
Here’s why:
Boiling Point and Pressure: The boiling point of water is the temperature at which its vapor pressure equals the surrounding pressure. At standard atmospheric pressure, this occurs at 100 degrees Celsius. However, if you increase the pressure, you need a higher temperature for the vapor pressure to match it, thus raising the boiling point.
Examples:
Pressure Cooker: A pressure cooker uses increased pressure to raise the boiling point of water, allowing food to cook faster.
Deep Sea: Water at the bottom of the ocean experiences immense pressure, causing its boiling point to be significantly higher than 100 degrees Celsius.
So, while we commonly associate 100 degrees Celsius with boiling water, it’s important to remember that this is only true at standard atmospheric pressure.
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