D E M O N S T R AT I O N S

5.8 The effect of pressure on the

boiling point of water
Aim: To demonstrate that boiling point is affected by pressure.

Equipment:
� Glass bell jar that can be � A beaker of water
evacuated by a vacuum pump

Method
● Half fill a beaker with cold tap water.
to vacuum pump
● Place the beaker in the bell jar and evacuate
the bell jar using the pump. ● Vent the bell jar to atmospheric pressure.
● Observe the water boiling when the pressure is ● Remove the beaker and pass around the class
sufficiently low. to test its temperature.

Explanation
Pressure affects the boiling point. The lower the pressure, the
lower the boiling point. This principle is true for all substances.
The opposite effect is used in a pressure cooker where foods can be
boiled at a higher temperature, therefore taking less time to cook.

© OUP: this may be reproduced for class use solely for the purchaser’s institute