Question

Explain the terms: boiling and boiling point.

Answer 1

Boiling is an endothermic, conversion-of-state- process, occurring at a specific temperature, characteristic of each substance.

Complete step by step answer:
The process of conversion of a substance from its liquid form to its gaseous form at a particular temperature by absorbing heat is called boiling.
The temperature at which a liquid converts into its gaseous form is called the boiling point of the liquid.
For example, water boils at ${{100}^{\text{o}}}\text{C}$to convert to water vapour; the temperature at which mercury boils to its vapour form is ${{356.7}^{\text{o}}}\text{C}$.

Additional Information:
Liquid converted to its gaseous form, by boiling process, may be reconverted to liquid by condensation. The process of conversion of a substance from its gaseous form to its liquid form at a particular temperature by releasing heat is called condensation. Condensation is an exothermic process. The temperature at which the gas converts into its liquid form is called the condensation point.
For example, water vapor condenses to water at ${{100}^{\text{o}}}\text{C}$.

Note:
The boiling point of a substance is the same as its condensation point. However, boiling takes place by absorption of heat and condensation takes place by releasing heat. Hence, boiling should not be confused with condensation. For example water boils water vapor by absorbing heat at ${{100}^{\text{o}}}\text{C}$, and water vapour condenses to water by liberating heat at${{100}^{\text{o}}}\text{C}$.
Evaporation is a process in which a liquid converts into vapor by absorption of heat. However, evaporation takes place at all temperatures and boiling takes place at only a particular temperature. Hence, the processes are not the same and should not be confused.