Why does water boil faster in high region than low region?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the question of why water boils faster at high altitudes compared to lower altitudes. It explores the relationship between boiling point, air pressure, and vapor pressure, with participants engaging in various aspects of the topic.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks why water boils faster in high regions, initiating the discussion.
  • Another participant suggests looking into the "ideal gas law" as a potential explanation.
  • A different participant questions how air pressure varies with altitude, implying a connection to boiling point.
  • Concerns are raised about the leap from the "ideal gas law" to "vapor pressure," indicating a perceived gap in the reasoning presented.
  • A participant acknowledges the validity of the concern regarding the connection between the ideal gas law and vapor pressure, emphasizing the importance of independent research.
  • A participant asks what physical condition determines the boiling temperature of water, further probing the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the connections between the ideal gas law, vapor pressure, and boiling point, indicating that multiple competing perspectives exist without a clear consensus.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the assumptions made about the relationship between air pressure and boiling point, as well as the definitions of terms like "vapor pressure." The discussion does not clarify these aspects.

threy
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Why does water boil faster in high region than low region?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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How does air pressure vary from high to low?
 
jackwhirl said:
I'm somewhat new here, so please forgive my presumption. Isn't the leap from "ideal gas law" to "vapor pressure" rather significant? Given the link you provided, is it wrong of me to point it out?

First, this is a friendly place and it is never wrong of you to point out something that you see as a mistake and second, yes you have a good point. I was mostly trying to get the OP to do some research on his own, which is something we promote here (thus the link that I provided).

Thanks for your post.
 
What physical condition determines the temperature at which water boils?

Chet
 

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