How does boiling happen?

Boiling is a phase transition of a liquid into a gas. It occurs when the vapour pressure of the liquid equals the pressure exerted on the liquid by its surroundings. For water at sea level, boiling occurs at 100 degrees Celcius (212 degrees Fahrenheit).

The process of boiling begins when heat is applied to a liquid. As the liquid gains heat, its molecules gain energy and move faster. This causes the molecules to spread out and the liquid to expand. As the temperature of the liquid increases, the vapour pressure of the liquid also increases.

When the vapour pressure of the liquid equals the pressure exerted on the liquid by its surroundings, bubbles of gas start to form within the liquid. These bubbles rise to the surface and burst, releasing gas into the surrounding air. The boiling process continues until all of the liquid has turned into gas.

The boiling point of a liquid depends on several factors, including the pressure exerted on the liquid, the presence of impurities, and the altitude. Boiling occurs at a lower temperature when the pressure is lower, and at a higher temperature when the pressure is higher. Impurities can also raise the boiling point of a liquid. This is because impurities make it more difficult for the liquid molecules to break away from each other and form gas bubbles. Boiling occurs at a lower temperature at higher altitudes. This is because the pressure of the atmosphere is lower at higher altitudes.