Question

At high altitudes, why do liquids boil at a lower temperature?

Answer 1

High altitude:

1. When compared to the pressure at sea level, the air pressure at high elevations is quite low. Cooking at a high elevation differs from cooking at sea level.
2. As a result, water at high elevations boils at a lower temperature. It takes less energy to raise water to the boiling point when air pressure is lower.
3. Because there is less energy and thus less heat at a higher altitude, water will boil at a lower temperature.
4. The air pressure pressing on the surface of any liquid determines its boiling point: the higher the pressure, the more energy is required for liquid molecules to escape the surface and form a gas, and hence the higher the temperature at which the liquid boils.