2018 · Q4
Lowering the atmospheric pressure on a liquid
general-sciencephysics-mechanics
- Aincreases the boiling point of the liquid
- Blowers the boiling point of the liquid
- Cdoes not affect the boiling point of the liquid
- Dincreases the time required for it to boil
Explanation
A liquid boils when its vapour pressure equals the surrounding atmospheric pressure. Lowering the external pressure lets the liquid's vapour pressure match it at a lower temperature, so the boiling point falls — which is why water boils well below 100°C at high altitudes. It does not raise the boiling point or leave it unchanged. Hence lowering atmospheric pressure lowers the boiling point.