Water boils at a lower temperature at higher altitudes due to lower air pressure, which means it may take longer to boil.
More detailed answer to your question
Boiling water up a mountain can lead to some interesting outcomes due to the change in air pressure. As one ascends in altitude, the air pressure around them decreases, which in turn lowers the boiling point of water. This phenomenon is known as the Boiling Point Elevation (BPE) effect, and it means that water will boil at a lower temperature than the usual 100°C at sea level.
A great quote that explains this phenomenon comes from Albert Einstein, who said, “The boiling point of a liquid varies with the external pressure. At higher altitudes, where the air pressure is less, water boils at a lower temperature.” This simple statement highlights just how much the pressure of the surrounding environment can impact the physical properties of water.
In fact, the boiling point of water decreases by approximately 1°C for every 280 meters of ascent, meaning it takes longer to boil water up a mountain due to the lower boiling point. To visualize this, refer to the table below that shows the boiling point of water at various altitudes:
Altitude (m)
Boiling Point of Water (°C)
0 (Sea Level)
100
500
98.8
1000
97.6
1500
96.4
2000
95.2
2500
94
3000
92.8
Additionally, it’s essential to note that the BPE effect not only impacts boiling times but also has implications on cooking and baking at high altitudes. According to the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, “because boiling water is a critical component of cooking, high altitude presents a significant obstacle to culinary perfection.”
Overall, boiling water up a mountain can be a unique experience, but it’s essential to understand how the change in air pressure affects the boiling point of water and, therefore, the cooking process. So next time you’re planning a mountain cooking adventure, remember to pack a table of boiling points and some patience.
The Earth Lab team conducts an experiment on the boiling point of water at different altitudes. They find that water boils at 97 degrees Celsius at their current altitude of 1304 meters in Katmandu and then find that it boils at 91 degrees Celsius at 3500 meters due to lower atmospheric pressure. They also discover that water boils at 82 degrees Celsius when they reach Everest base camp, 5300 meters above sea level, as atmospheric pressure is much lower at higher altitudes.
See additional response choices
As atmospheric pressure decreases, water boils at lower temperatures. At sea level, water boils at 212 °F. With each 500-feet increase in elevation, the boiling point of water is lowered by just under 1 °F. At 7,500 feet, for example, water boils at about 198 °F.
Water boils quicker on mountains because the atmospheric pressure is lower at high altitudes. A liquid will begin to boil when its vapor pressure equals atmospheric pressure. Since the atmospheric pressure is lower at high altitudes, the boiling point of water is reduced and thus it attains the boiling temperature quicker than at the ground level with the same heat.
Similarly, water molecules have an easy time escaping off the surface when the air pressure above them is less. Since this is a naturally-occurring condition in high altitude regions, the boiling point of water is reduced and thus it attains the boiling temperature quicker than at the ground level with the same heat. Simply put, it boils faster.
Water boils at a lower temperature (therefore faster) at high altitudes because the atmospheric pressure it lower. A liquid will begin to boil when its vapor pressure equals atmospheric pressure.
You will most likely be interested in this
Should you boil mountain water?
Response: If you’re at an elevation below 6,500 feet, put the water in a container over a heat source, such as a campfire or propane stove, and bring to a rolling boil for 1 minute. If you’re at an elevation over 6,500 feet, bring the water to a rolling boil for 3 minutes.
How long would it take to boil water on Mount Everest?
Response to this: Yeah. This is interesting right. I think we’ve got it. So water boils at 3500 meters at 91 degrees Celsius. So that’s 6 degrees less than when we’re down in Kathmandu.
Does water boil below 100 on top of a mountain?
Water boils at a lower temperature on top of a mountain because there is less air pressure on the molecules. Higher the pressure, higher is the boiling point of water. At low pressure, the boiling point of water comes down. The boiling takes place at a lower temperature at the top of a mountain due to low pressure.
Why does water boil at 70 on Mount Everest?
As altitude increases, atmospheric pressure decreases due to the atmosphere becoming thinner. For every 300M in altitude increase the boiling temperature of water decreases by 1°C. This means at the top of Everest the boiling temperature of the water is 70°C.
Why does water boil at a lower temperature on a mountain?
Water boils at a lower temperature on top of a mountain because there is less air pressure on the molecules. Higher the pressure, higher is the boiling point of water. At low pressure, the boiling point of water comes down.
What happens to water when it boils at high altitude?
As a response to this: When that occurs, bubbles begin to form and the water boils. When atmospheric pressure is lower, such as at a higher altitude, it takes less energy to bring water to the boiling point. Less energy means less heat, which means water will boil at a lower temperature at a higher altitude.
What did you see when you looked at boiling water?
Answer will be: you see. Observations: What did you see when you looked at the boiling water? You should have seen bubbles. These bubbles are formed because the water molecules are heating up and releasing energy. What did we learn? This experiment told us that water when it boils, releases energy.
What is the difference between deep water and mountain top?
The response is: Answer: The pressure on you when you are under water is greater than the pressure on you on earth. So in relationship to deep water, there is less pressure above the water. This can be applied to the mountain. On the mountain top there is less pressure because it is really high.
Why does water boil at a lower temperature on a mountain?
Water boils at a lower temperature on top of a mountain because there is less air pressure on the molecules. Higher the pressure, higher is the boiling point of water. At low pressure, the boiling point of water comes down.
What happens to water when it boils at high altitude?
Response to this: When that occurs, bubbles begin to form and the water boils. When atmospheric pressure is lower, such as at a higher altitude, it takes less energy to bring water to the boiling point. Less energy means less heat, which means water will boil at a lower temperature at a higher altitude.
What is the boiling point of water on Mount Everest?
The reply will be: At the lower atmospheric pressure on the top of Mount Everest, pure water boils at about 154 ° F (68 ° C). Is the boiling point of water on a mountain top the same as that on the ground? The boiling point of water on a mountain top is less than on the ground. At sea level, atmospheric pressure is 14.7 psia and water boils at 212℉ (100℃).
What is the boiling point of water at sea level?
Water at sea level boils at 212 degrees Fahrenheit; at 5,000 feet above sea level, the boiling point is 203 degrees F. Up at 10,000 feet, water boils at 194 degrees F. This is the opposite of what many people suppose: that water takes longer to boil on high. As we’ve just demonstrated, boiling water at altitude is quicker.
