Normal boiling point

Definition

The normal boiling point is the temperature at which a liquid boils under standard atmospheric pressure (1 atm or 101.3 kPa). At this temperature, the vapor pressure of the liquid equals the surrounding atmospheric pressure.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The normal boiling point depends on intermolecular forces; stronger forces result in higher boiling points.
2. It is a specific case of boiling point measured under standard atmospheric conditions.
3. For water, the normal boiling point is 100°C (212°F) at 1 atm.
4. The normal boiling point can change with changes in external pressure.
5. It is an important property for identifying and characterizing substances.

Review Questions

• What is the definition of the normal boiling point?
• How does atmospheric pressure affect the normal boiling point?
• What is the normal boiling point of water?

Related terms

Vapor Pressure: The pressure exerted by a vapor in equilibrium with its liquid or solid phase.

Intermolecular Forces: Forces that mediate interaction between molecules, including dipole-dipole interactions, hydrogen bonds, and London dispersion forces.

Phase Transition: A change from one state of matter to another, such as from liquid to gas during boiling.