Boiling point is a term that is commonly used in science and everyday life. It is the temperature at which a liquid changes to a gas, and it has a variety of applications in chemistry, physics, and engineering. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of boiling point, as well as its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and examples of usage.
Definitions
The boiling point is defined as the temperature at which the vapor pressure of a liquid equals the external pressure applied to the liquid. At this temperature, the liquid changes to a gas, and the process is called boiling. The boiling point of a substance is a physical property that depends on the substance’s chemical composition and atmospheric pressure.
Origin
The term “boiling point” has its roots in the Latin word “bullire,” which means “to boil.” The concept of boiling point was first introduced by the French physicist Guillaume Amontons in the early 18th century. He observed that the boiling point of water increased with atmospheric pressure, and he developed a thermometer that could measure temperature accurately.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the boiling point is “the temperature at which a liquid boils and turns into vapor.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “the temperature at which a liquid boils at a given pressure.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “the temperature at which a liquid becomes a gas.”
Associations
The boiling point is closely related to other physical properties of liquids, such as viscosity, surface tension, and density. It is also used in many industrial processes, such as distillation, evaporation, and sterilization. In chemistry, the boiling point is used to identify and purify substances, and it is an important parameter in the study of thermodynamics.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of boiling point include:
- Vaporization point.
- Evaporation temperature.
- Boilover point.
- Steaming point.
- Boiling temperature.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms of boiling point, but some related concepts include:
- Freezing point.
- Melting point.
- Condensation point.
- Sublimation point.
The same root words
Some related words that share the same root as boiling point include:
- Boilermaker.
- Boil-off.
Example Sentences
Here are some examples of how to use boiling point in a sentence:
- The boiling point of water is 100 degrees Celsius at sea level.
- The boiling point of ethanol is 78.5 degrees Celsius.
- The boiling point of mercury is much higher than that of water.
- The distillation process separates liquids based on their boiling points.
- The pressure cooker raises the boiling point of water, allowing food to cook faster.