Boiling Point Equation:
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The boiling point at altitude equation estimates how the boiling point of a liquid changes with atmospheric pressure. It's derived from the Clausius-Clapeyron relation and accounts for the enthalpy of vaporization of the liquid.
The calculator uses the boiling point equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation shows that boiling point decreases with decreasing atmospheric pressure (increasing altitude).
Details: Understanding how boiling point changes with altitude is crucial for cooking, chemical processes, and industrial applications at different elevations.
Tips: Enter the normal boiling point, enthalpy of vaporization, pressure at altitude, and standard pressure. All values must be positive.
Q1: Why does boiling point decrease with altitude?
A: As altitude increases, atmospheric pressure decreases, requiring less energy for liquid molecules to escape into the vapor phase.
Q2: What is a typical enthalpy of vaporization for water?
A: For water at 100°C, ΔH_vap ≈ 40,660 J/mol.
Q3: How much does water's boiling point change with altitude?
A: Roughly 1°C decrease per 300 m (1000 ft) elevation gain near sea level.
Q4: Are there limitations to this equation?
A: It assumes constant ΔH_vap and ideal gas behavior, which may not hold over large temperature ranges.
Q5: Can this be used for any liquid?
A: Yes, as long as you have the correct T0 and ΔH_vap values for the specific liquid.