Water boils at a lower temperature at high altitudes, because
Water boils at a lower temperature at high altitudes, because
- the air pressure is less
- outside temperature is less
- less latent heat is less
- None of the above
Answer
The boiling point of water is lower at higher altitudes due to the decreased atmospheric pressure. A liquid boils when its vapor pressure exceeds the local total pressure. At high altitudes (elevation) the local air pressure is lower than it is at sea level. The lower pressure allows the liquid to boil at a lower temperature.
At sea level water boils at 100°C. For each 500 ft increase in elevation, the boiling point is lowered by 0.5°C.
The correct option is A.