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Difficulty: EasyVapour Pressure, Boiling, Evaporation, and Relative Humidity

A liquid will boil when its saturated vapour pressure becomes equal to the prevailing external atmospheric pressure.

Answer: Answer

Answer

The statement is True. A liquid boils when its saturated vapour pressure equals the external atmospheric pressure.
The statement accurately expresses the fundamental thermodynamic condition for boiling: the temperature of the liquid must reach a point where its saturated vapour pressure equals the surrounding atmospheric pressure.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Recall the definition of boiling point in thermal physics.
Boiling is the rapid conversion of liquid into gas occurring throughout the liquid body.
To determine the exact physical condition required for boiling to take place.
2
Relate saturated vapour pressure (SVP) to atmospheric pressure.
Bubbles of vapour can form within the liquid only when the pressure inside the bubbles (SVP) is equal to or greater than the pressure pushing down from the outside atmosphere.
If SVP is lower than atmospheric pressure, any vapour bubble attempting to form inside the liquid will immediately collapse.

Key Concept

Condition for Boiling of Liquids
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Topics

Vapour Pressure, Boiling, Evaporation, and Relative Humidity

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