What occurs during the process of boiling water?

• A. Water solidifies
• B. Water temperature rises
• C. Water evaporates without temperature change
• D. Water sinks to a lower level

Answer: (B)

The process of boiling water involves heating the water to its boiling point, which is typically 100 degrees Celsius at sea level. During this phase, the temperature of the water rises until it reaches this boiling point. Once this temperature is reached, bubbles of steam form within the water, and the water begins to change from a liquid to a gaseous state. This transformation is characterized by the need for thermal energy, which enables the water molecules to overcome intermolecular forces and escape into the air as vapor.

While water does indeed evaporate during boiling, the key point here is that the temperature continues to increase until it reaches its boiling point, at which stage the water can begin to evaporate at a more rapid rate. Therefore, the assertion that the water temperature rises is integral to understanding the boiling process, as it describes the conditions in which boiling occurs.