GED Science TestPhysical ScienceMedium
A chef is boiling water in an open pot on a stove. As the water reaches its boiling point, bubbles begin to form rapidly throughout the liquid and rise to the surface. This process is best described as:
- AEvaporation, occurring only at the surface.
- BBoiling, a bulk phenomenon at a specific temperature.
- CMelting, where a solid turns into a liquid.
- DCondensation, where gas turns into liquid.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Boiling, a bulk phenomenon at a specific temperature.
Boiling is a phase transition where a liquid changes to a gas throughout the bulk of the liquid, characterized by the rapid formation of bubbles of vapor at a specific boiling point.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Evaporation is a surface phenomenon that can occur at any temperature below the boiling point.
- C. Melting is the transition from solid to liquid, which is not occurring here.
- D. Condensation is the opposite process, where gas turns into liquid.
Boiling
The rapid vaporization of a liquid, occurring when a liquid is heated to its boiling point and turning into a gas throughout its bulk.
- Occurs at a specific boiling point for a given pressure.
- A bulk phenomenon (bubbles form throughout the liquid).
- Requires continuous energy input (latent heat of vaporization).
- Distinct from evaporation, which is a surface phenomenon.
Memory trick: Boiling Bubbles, Evaporation Escapes.