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View Full Version : Is it possible to have liquid water at temps above 100 degrees Celsius


tylerp24
Feb 8, 2006, 03:25 PM
Hey I was just wondering is it possible and if so how to have liquid water at temperatures above 100 degrees Celsius??

labman
Feb 8, 2006, 04:40 PM
Water boils when its vapor pressure equals the pressure it is under. The 100 degrees Celsius only is true at a standard atmospheric pressure. Lower the pressure, and it goes down. Raise it, and it goes up. There is a limit called the critical temperature above which it can not exist as a liquid.

rudi_in
Feb 8, 2006, 06:23 PM
Yes, labman, and in fact the critical temperature for water is an astonishing 380 - 386 degrees celsius!

The boiling point can also change if there are impurities in it.

For example, adding salt to the water will cause the boiling point to increase.

letmetellu
Feb 8, 2006, 10:53 PM
Water can become Super Heated, well about the 100 degrees C. When it is at this point it if it is disturbed by shaking or jaring it can bust into steam. This is very dangerous when heating water in a microwave oven.