Describe a condition where we could find water in liquid form where temperatures exceed 100C?

This phase diagram is included: enter image source here

1 Answer
Dave
Apr 4, 2018

This would happen when the pressure is greater than 1 atm.

Explanation:

The boiling point of water is the traditional 100C, but that is only when the pressure over that water is 1 atm. If the pressure is increased, the boiling point is increased (as per your phase diagram. This might happen in a car radiator (with the cap on..assuming you've added no antifreeze), or in a nuclear reactor (the cooling water can be at extreme pressures).

Happens in a pressure cooker, too.

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