Can Water Reach 101°C @ 1 Atmosphere?

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    Atmosphere Water
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SUMMARY

Heating water to 101 degrees Celsius at 1 atmosphere is theoretically possible under specific conditions, particularly through the process of superheating. Superheating occurs when water is heated in a smooth container, such as a microwave, where no nucleation sites are present to trigger boiling. While pure water typically boils at 100 degrees Celsius, impurities in tap water can alter its boiling point, creating a boiling range rather than a fixed temperature. This phenomenon allows for the possibility of maintaining water in a liquid state at temperatures exceeding its normal boiling point.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of superheating and boiling point concepts
  • Familiarity with the properties of water and impurities
  • Knowledge of thermodynamics and phase changes
  • Experience with laboratory heating techniques, particularly in microwave applications
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of superheating in liquids
  • Explore the effects of impurities on boiling points in various liquids
  • Study thermodynamic properties of water at different pressures and temperatures
  • Investigate safe microwave heating techniques for liquids
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for chemists, physics students, and anyone interested in the properties of water and phase transitions, particularly in laboratory settings.

Mark617
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To heat water to 101 degrees C at 1 atmosphere?

Is there any case when this is possible? Even off the wall lab stuff will suffice.

What if water isn't completely pure, like most tap water here in the states? My teacher says it isn't possible but any caveat to prove him wrong would be great!

Thank you
 
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Im assuming you mean heat water to 101 degrees and it still remain a liquid?

Also the idea of boiling point, isn't strictly true. Things have a boiling range due to an energy distribution, even pure water with no contaminents doesn't instantly go form not boiling at 99 to boiling at 100degrees C. It's more correct to thing of it as a boiling range. Contaminents will also play a factor. However! These are very anal and pedantic points to make.

Now, don't go and rub it in your teachers face because nobody like a smart ***. But you can superheat liquid water in a microwave. If the container is smooth enough there is nothing to trigger the 'boiling'.
 
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You guys are my heroes.

Thanks a lot.

Edit - Yes, I meant heat it to 101 degrees C at 1 atm and still have it remain a liquid :)
 

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