Boiling Point of Water at Altitude Calculator

Boiling Point Formula:

\[ T = 100 - 0.003 \times \frac{h}{100} \]

Boiling Point (°C):

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1. What is a Boiling Point of Water at Altitude Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the boiling point of water based on altitude above sea level.

Purpose: It helps cooks, hikers, and scientists understand how water boiling temperature changes with elevation.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ T = 100 - 0.003 \times \frac{h}{100} \]

Where:

\( T \) — Boiling point temperature (°C)
\( h \) — Altitude above sea level (meters)

Explanation: The boiling point decreases by approximately 0.003°C for every 100 meters of altitude gain.

3. Importance of Boiling Point Calculation

Details: Understanding boiling point variations is crucial for cooking times, sterilization processes, and scientific experiments at different elevations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Simply enter your altitude in meters to calculate the approximate boiling point of water at that elevation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why does boiling point change with altitude?
A: As altitude increases, atmospheric pressure decreases, requiring less energy (heat) for water molecules to escape as vapor.

Q2: How accurate is this calculation?
A: This provides an approximation. Actual boiling point can vary slightly based on weather conditions and exact location.

Q3: What's the boiling point at sea level?
A: Exactly 100°C (212°F) at standard atmospheric pressure (1 atm or 101.325 kPa).

Q4: How much does boiling point decrease per 1000m?
A: Approximately 3°C per 1000 meters (or about 1°F per 500 feet).

Q5: Does this affect cooking times?
A: Yes, at higher altitudes food takes longer to cook because boiling occurs at lower temperatures.