It seems to me that there are at least two factors here. De-gassing takes place at relatively low temperatures (singing kettle due to many small bubbles) and actual boiling will happen at around 100C. The rate of boiling, after 100C, will depend on the power supplied and the noise will depend on the specific surface and even details of thermal contact between element and water. 'Bumping' is the descriptive term for what you can get under some conditions. Also, the size of a typical kettle can give resonances to the sound inside it and sound louder for some kettles than othersHornbein said:To make coffee I pour a cup of water into the tea kettle and boil that. In this case the boiling doesn't quiet down, instead it gets louder.
Water makes noise when it boils primarily due to the formation and collapse of bubbles in the water as it transitions from a liquid to a gas. These bubbles are formed at the bottom of the container, where the water is heated. As the bubbles rise and reach cooler water, they collapse, producing a characteristic boiling sound.
The sound of boiling water indicates the different stages of the boiling process. Initially, when water starts to heat up, small bubbles form and collapse quickly, creating a gentle sound. As the water temperature increases, these bubbles become larger and do not collapse as readily, which intensifies the sound. When the water reaches a rolling boil, the sound becomes steadier and louder, indicating vigorous boiling.
Yes, the sound of boiling water can vary depending on the material and shape of the container. Different materials conduct and distribute heat differently, affecting how bubbles form and collapse. For example, a thin metal pot might heat unevenly, causing sporadic boiling sounds, whereas a thick-bottomed pot provides more uniform heating and a steadier boiling sound. Additionally, the size and shape of the pot can influence the acoustics of the boiling sounds.
While it is not possible to determine the exact temperature of boiling water just by sound, you can generally gauge whether the water is approaching a boil or is already vigorously boiling. The increasing intensity and frequency of the boiling sounds can indicate that the water temperature is rising. However, for precise temperature measurements, a thermometer is necessary.
Altitude can affect the sound of boiling water indirectly by influencing the boiling point of water. At higher altitudes, the atmospheric pressure is lower, causing water to boil at a lower temperature. This can change how the bubbles form and collapse, potentially altering the boiling sounds. For example, at higher altitudes, water might boil with a less vigorous sound due to the lower temperature and pressure.