At what pressure does water boil at 212 degrees Fahrenheit?

Study for the Massachusetts 3rd Class Engineer Exam. Access flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Prepare for success on your exam!

Water boils at 212 degrees Fahrenheit at standard atmospheric pressure, which is 14.7 psi at sea level. This is a fundamental principle of thermodynamics and fluid mechanics that outlines the relationship between temperature and pressure for liquids. At this pressure, the vapor pressure of the water equals the atmospheric pressure, allowing the water to transition from the liquid phase to the vapor phase, which is the boiling process.

In lower pressures, such as those found at higher altitudes, water will boil at temperatures lower than 212 degrees Fahrenheit, while in a pressurized environment, water can reach higher temperatures before boiling. Understanding this relationship is crucial for engineers and operators in various settings, particularly when dealing with steam and heating systems where the boiling point of water is a key factor in system design and operation.

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