BOILING POINT Meaning and
Definition
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The term "boiling point" refers to a characteristic property of a substance, specifically a liquid, that indicates the temperature at which the substance undergoes a phase change from its liquid state to a gaseous state. It is the temperature at which the vapor pressure of the liquid is equal to the atmospheric pressure.
In more technical terms, the boiling point is defined as the temperature when the vapor pressure of a liquid is equal to the atmospheric pressure above it, causing the liquid to change into a gas throughout its bulk. At this point, the liquid molecules gain enough energy to overcome the intermolecular forces holding them together, allowing them to escape into the gas phase.
The boiling point serves as a measure of the volatility and intermolecular forces present in a liquid. Different substances have unique boiling points due to variations in their chemical composition, molecular structure, and intermolecular forces, such as hydrogen bonding or London dispersion forces.
Boiling points are typically expressed in units of degrees Celsius (°C) or Fahrenheit (°F). The boiling point of water, for instance, is 100°C or 212°F at standard atmospheric pressure. However, this value can change with variations in pressure, as higher pressures raise the boiling point and lower pressures decrease it.
This property has numerous practical applications, such as determining appropriate cooking temperatures, distillation of mixtures, purifying substances through evaporation, and understanding the behavior of substances in various scientific and industrial processes.
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The degree of heat at which water or any other liquid bubbles up; to boil over, to run over the vessel with heat, as a liquid.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for BOILING POINT
- voiling point
- noiling point
- hoiling point
- goiling point
- biiling point
- bkiling point
- bliling point
- bpiling point
- b0iling point
- b9iling point
- bouling point
- bojling point
- bokling point
- booling point
- bo9ling point
- bo8ling point
- boiking point
- boiping point
- boioing point
Etymology of BOILING POINT
The word "boiling point" has its origins in the late Middle English period. The term "boiling" derives from the Old Norse word "bolna", which means "to bubble". The word "point" comes from the Old French word "point", which translates to "a moment in time" or "a specific place". When combined, "boiling point" refers to the specific temperature at which a liquid starts to boil and bubbles appear on the surface.
Idioms with the word BOILING POINT
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reach (a) boiling point
The idiom "reach (a) boiling point" refers to a situation or event that has reached a critical or intense level of tension, frustration, or anger. It implies that the emotions or conflicts involved have become so heated that they are on the verge of boiling over or becoming uncontrollable.
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reach boiling point
The idiom "reach boiling point" refers to the moment when a situation or someone's emotions become extremely intense or reach a critical level, similar to the boiling point of a liquid. It implies that matters have escalated to a point where further control or containment is difficult and there may be an imminent outburst or explosion of anger, frustration, or tension.
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have a low boiling point
The idiom "have a low boiling point" refers to someone who easily becomes angry or quickly loses their temper in response to even minor things. It implies that the person is highly sensitive and prone to reacting with anger or frustration at the slightest provocation.
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boiling point
The idiom "boiling point" refers to the temperature at which a liquid boils and turns into vapor. It is commonly used to describe a situation or point in time when emotions or tensions reach a critical level and can no longer be controlled.
Similar spelling words for BOILING POINT
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