When water is boiling, several processes occur that allow the liquid water to transition into gas (steam). Here’s a breakdown of what happens:
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Heating of Water: When water is heated, the energy from the heat increases the kinetic energy of the water molecules. This means that the molecules move faster and begin to overcome the intermolecular forces that hold them together in the liquid state.
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Increased Kinetic Energy: As the temperature of the water rises, more and more molecules gain enough energy to escape the liquid phase. The boiling point of water at standard atmospheric pressure is 100°C (212°F), but this can vary depending on the pressure.
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Formation of Bubbles: Once the water reaches its boiling point, bubbles of water vapor (gas) form within the body of the liquid. This occurs because the vapor pressure of the water reaches the atmospheric pressure, allowing bubbles to form and rise to the surface.
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Transition to Gas: As the bubbles make their way to the surface, the water inside them is transitioning to the gas phase. Once at the surface, the bubbles burst, releasing steam into the air.
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Continuous Process: As long as heat is supplied and the temperature remains at or above the boiling point, this process continues. The molecules keep escaping from the liquid into the gas phase, leading to the continual production of steam.
In summary, boiling involves the heating of water to its boiling point, leading to the breakage of intermolecular forces and the formation of bubbles of vapor that transition the liquid water into gas.
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