Question

Why is the boiling point of water often slightly less than 100°c at higher altitude?

Answer 1

Answer:

Take the following equation in consideration:

P/T = constant. [ P is the pressure and T is the temperature]

=> P = (constant)* T

Therefore P is directly proportional to T.

Now the air pressure decreases with increase in altitude. At mountains, the air pressure is appreciably low.

Following the above equation, the temperature of the system also decrease.

As a result, the boiling point of water goes below 100°C.

Application:

Pressure cookers are used in hilly areas in order to increase the pressure of the system. This increases the temperature for boiling of water .

This helps in cooking.