Question

Three students at Jamston High-Zack, Gaye, and Lamonteach had the opportunity to travel over spring break. As part of a project, each of them measured the boiling point of pure water at their vacation spot. Zack found a boiling point of \(93.9^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\), Gaye measured \(101.1^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\), and Lamont read \(100{ }^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\). Which student most likely went snow skiing near Ely, Nevada, and which student most likely went water skiing in Honolulu? From the boiling point information, what can you surmise about the Dead Sea region, the location of the third student's vacation? Explain.

Short answer

Zack went to Ely, Nevada. Lamont went to Honolulu. Gaye visited the Dead Sea region.

Step-by-step solution

- Understand the Relationship Between Boiling Point and Altitude

The boiling point of water decreases with an increase in altitude and increases with a decrease in altitude (closer to sea level). This is because atmospheric pressure is lower at higher altitudes and higher at lower altitudes.

- Analyze Each Boiling Point Measurement

Zack's measurement: 93.9°CGaye's measurement: 101.1°CLamont's measurement: 100°CDetermine which boiling points suggest higher or lower altitudes based on the baseline boiling point of water (100°C at sea level).

- Identify the Locations Based on Boiling Points

Locations:- Ely, Nevada: A location at higher altitude, indicating a lower boiling point.- Honolulu: A location at sea level, indicating a normal boiling point or slightly higher due to humidity.- Dead Sea region: A location below sea level, indicating a higher boiling point.Zack's 93.9°C is significantly below 100°C, suggesting a high altitude location.Gaye's 101.1°C is above 100°C, suggesting a location below sea level.Lamont's 100°C indicates a location around sea level.

- Assign Locations to Each Student

Based on the boiling points and location characteristics:- Zack most likely went snow skiing near Ely, Nevada (high altitude).- Gaye most likely went to the Dead Sea region (below sea level).- Lamont most likely went water skiing in Honolulu (sea level).

Key concepts

Boiling Point of Water

The boiling point of water is the temperature at which it changes from a liquid to a gas. Under standard atmospheric pressure (1 atm), water boils at 100°C (212°F).
When water reaches its boiling point, its vapor pressure equals the surrounding atmospheric pressure. This means that bubbles of vapor can form within the liquid and rise to the surface to release steam.
To summarize, at sea level where atmospheric pressure is standard, water boils at 100°C. Atmospheric pressure plays a crucial role in determining the boiling point.

Altitude Effects on Boiling Point

Altitude has a direct effect on the boiling point of water. As you go higher in altitude, the atmospheric pressure decreases because there is less air above pressing down.
This lower pressure means that water doesn't need to get as hot to have its vapor pressure equal the atmospheric pressure.
As a result, the boiling point of water decreases with altitude. For example:

• In mountainous areas (higher altitude): Water boils at a temperature below 100°C
• At sea level: Water boils at 100°C
• Below sea level: Water boils at a temperature above 100°C

Understanding this concept is important for activities like cooking and boiling water in high-altitude areas.

Atmospheric Pressure and Boiling Point

Atmospheric pressure is the force exerted by the weight of the air in the atmosphere. It decreases with altitude and increases as you go below sea level.
The relationship between atmospheric pressure and boiling point is inversely proportional. Here's how it works:

• High atmospheric pressure (below sea level): Raises the boiling point of water above 100°C
• Low atmospheric pressure (high altitude): Lowers the boiling point of water below 100°C
• Standard atmospheric pressure (sea level): Boiling point of water at 100°C

In the exercise, this relationship helped determine that:

• Zack likely recorded the lowest boiling point at high altitude (Ely, Nevada)
• Gaye recorded the highest boiling point below sea level (Dead Sea region)
• Lamont recorded a normal boiling point around sea level (Honolulu)