Evaporation, boiling and bubbles
Issue 344 | Page 90 | Published Mar 2012
Description
This article argues that it is the formation of bubbles of vapour within the liquid that most clearly differentiates boiling from evaporation although only a minority of chemistry textbooks seems to mention bubble formation in this context. The importance of bubble formation is used to explore a much deeper, albeit a largely qualitative, explanatory basis of a number of interrelated phenomena. These include the fixed boiling point of liquids at a constant external pressure, the effect of pressure changes and of dissolved substances on boiling point, and nucleation, superheating and bump-boiling.
More from this issue
Perspectives on Science (POS) is a unique research-based post-16 course that addresses the history, philosophy and ethical aspects of science. Our...
To focus attention on the processes and outcomes of learning rather than specific subject requirements, an in-school 'learning group' of...
There is little scope in the curriculum for long-term projects such as growing food, so STEM club sessions could provide the regular time to set...