How does the boiling point of a liquid change when pressure is applied?

How does the boiling point of a liquid change when pressure is applied?

• A. The boiling point decreases
• B. The boiling point remains constant
• C. The boiling point increases
• D. The liquid evaporates instantly

Answer: (C)

When pressure is applied to a liquid, the boiling point of that liquid increases. This phenomenon occurs because boiling happens when the vapor pressure of the liquid equals the external pressure surrounding the liquid. Under normal atmospheric pressure, a liquid may boil at a certain temperature, commonly referred to as its boiling point. When additional pressure is exerted on the liquid, it requires a higher temperature to increase the vapor pressure to match the external pressure and reach the boiling point. This is why pressure cookers, for example, can cook food faster; by increasing the pressure inside the cooker, the boiling point of water rises above the standard 100 degrees Celsius (212 degrees Fahrenheit), allowing food to cook more efficiently. In summary, applying pressure raises the boiling point of a liquid, requiring higher temperatures to achieve the boiling state.

When pressure is applied to a liquid, the boiling point of that liquid increases. This phenomenon occurs because boiling happens when the vapor pressure of the liquid equals the external pressure surrounding the liquid. Under normal atmospheric pressure, a liquid may boil at a certain temperature, commonly referred to as its boiling point.

When additional pressure is exerted on the liquid, it requires a higher temperature to increase the vapor pressure to match the external pressure and reach the boiling point. This is why pressure cookers, for example, can cook food faster; by increasing the pressure inside the cooker, the boiling point of water rises above the standard 100 degrees Celsius (212 degrees Fahrenheit), allowing food to cook more efficiently.

In summary, applying pressure raises the boiling point of a liquid, requiring higher temperatures to achieve the boiling state.