Science & Lab Tools
Boiling Point Altitude Calculator
Calculate the boiling point of water at different altitudes and understand how atmospheric pressure affects boiling temperature.
Enter an altitude to calculate the boiling point of water
Related to Boiling Point Altitude Calculator
The Boiling Point Altitude Calculator determines the temperature at which water boils at different altitudes above sea level. This calculation is based on the fundamental relationship between atmospheric pressure and boiling point. As altitude increases, atmospheric pressure decreases, which in turn lowers the boiling point of water.
The Formula
The calculator uses the formula: Tb = 100 - (0.00321 × altitude), where Tb is the boiling point in °C and altitude is in meters above sea level. This formula is derived from experimental data and provides a good approximation for altitudes up to 10,000 meters.
At sea level (0 meters), water boils at 100°C (212°F) under normal atmospheric pressure (1 atm or 101.325 kPa). For every 300 meters increase in altitude, the boiling point of water decreases by approximately 1°C. This relationship is not perfectly linear but provides a reliable approximation for practical purposes.
The calculator provides the boiling point of water at your specified altitude. This information is particularly valuable for cooking, laboratory work, and industrial processes where water's boiling point is crucial. Understanding how altitude affects boiling point can help you adjust cooking times and temperatures accordingly.
Practical Applications
- Cooking at high altitudes: Adjust cooking times and temperatures - Laboratory experiments: Account for altitude in experimental procedures - Industrial processes: Calibrate equipment for local conditions - Food processing: Modify sterilization temperatures and times
For example, if you're cooking at an altitude of 2,000 meters, water will boil at approximately 93.58°C instead of 100°C. This means you'll need to increase cooking times for boiled foods to achieve the same level of doneness as at sea level.
1. Why does water boil at a lower temperature at high altitudes?
At higher altitudes, atmospheric pressure is lower. This reduced pressure means that water molecules require less energy to escape the liquid state and become vapor, resulting in a lower boiling point temperature.
2. How does this affect cooking times?
Since water boils at a lower temperature at high altitudes, it takes longer to cook foods. As a general rule, increase cooking times by about 1 minute for every 300 meters above sea level when boiling foods.
3. Is this calculator accurate for all locations?
The calculator provides a good approximation based on altitude alone. However, actual boiling points may vary slightly due to local atmospheric conditions, weather patterns, and other environmental factors.
4. Can I use this calculator for liquids other than water?
No, this calculator is specifically designed for water. Other liquids have different boiling points and different relationships between pressure and temperature.
5. What is the scientific source for this calculator?
This calculator is based on the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standard atmosphere model and thermodynamic principles established by physical chemistry. The formula used (Tb = 100 - 0.00321 × altitude) is derived from experimental data and verified through numerous scientific studies, including research published in the Journal of Chemical Education. The relationship between pressure and boiling point follows the Clausius-Clapeyron equation, which describes phase transitions in thermodynamic systems. This has been extensively validated by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and is used in various scientific and engineering applications.