Question

The normal boiling point of water is _____\(\mathrm{F},\) or _____ C.

Short answer

The normal boiling point of water is 212\(^\circ\)F or 100\(^\circ\)C.

Step-by-step solution

Remember the Celsius to Fahrenheit conversion formula

To convert Celsius to Fahrenheit, we can use the following formula: \[F = \frac{9}{5}C + 32\] Where, F = temperature in Fahrenheit C = temperature in Celsius

Find the boiling point of water in Fahrenheit

We know the boiling point in Celsius is 100 °C. To find the boiling point in Fahrenheit, substitute C = 100 in the conversion formula: \[F = \frac{9}{5}(100) + 32\]

Calculate the Fahrenheit temperature

Now calculate the temperature: \[F = \frac{9}{5}(100) + 32 = 180 + 32 = 212\] The normal boiling point of water is 212°F. So, the answer to the exercise is: The normal boiling point of water is 212°F or 100 °C.

Key concepts

Celsius to Fahrenheit conversion

Understanding the conversion between Celsius and Fahrenheit scales is essential for a variety of scientific and daily life applications. The Celsius scale, known for its use in most countries around the world, sets the freezing point of water at 0°C and the boiling point at 100°C. On the other hand, the Fahrenheit scale, predominantly used in the United States, defines the freezing point of water at 32°F and the boiling point at 212°F.

The conversion between these two temperature scales is accomplished through a formula. To convert Celsius to Fahrenheit, as shown in the step-by-step solution, you multiply the Celsius temperature by 9/5 and then add 32. This formula ensures that the temperature levels are accurately translated from one scale to another, which is particularly useful for tasks such as cooking, scientific experiments, or even when traveling between countries that use different temperature units.

Temperature conversion formula

The temperature conversion formula is a mathematical relationship that allows us to convert a temperature reading from one unit to another. The most common formulas involve conversions between Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin. For the purpose of boiling point exercise, the formula of interest is the one converting Celsius to Fahrenheit:
\[F = \frac{9}{5}C + 32\]
It can be rearranged to convert Fahrenheit to Celsius:
\[C = \frac{5}{9}(F - 32)\]
These formulas are derived from the fixed points of water's phase changes (freezing and boiling) on both temperature scales, and they demonstrate the proportional relationship between the two. To use the formula, simply plug in the value you know, and perform the arithmetic to get the temperature in the desired unit. This straightforward calculation is a fundamental tool in a broad array of fields, from meteorology to culinary arts, and understanding it is vital for anyone working with temperature-sensitive processes.

Properties of water

Water is a unique substance with properties that are crucial to the existence of life on Earth. Its high specific heat capacity means it can absorb a lot of heat before it begins to get hot, thus governing climate and weather patterns. Water also has a high heat of vaporization, requiring significant energy to change from a liquid to a gas state, which you observe when water boils.

Phase Changes of Water

An important property of water is its phase changes at specific temperatures under standard atmospheric pressure. Water freezes at 0°C (32°F) and boils at 100°C (212°F), which are crucial reference points for temperature scales.

The Solvent of Life

Additionally, water is known as the 'universal solvent' because it dissolves more substances than any other liquid. This is due to its polar nature, with molecules having a positive and negative side, allowing them to interact with various compounds. These properties impact everything from biological systems to industrial applications and understanding them helps in fields such as chemistry, environmental science, and engineering.