Why does water boil at 87 degrees Celsius at the top of Mt. Whitney?

Question

Thank you in advance!

Answer 1

the air pressure is less

Answer 2

Higher altitude means lower pressure, so the water molecules can escape into the air more easily, i.e. at a lower temperature.

BTW, you can find your altitude pretty exactly by boiling a thermometer; that equation is well known.

Answer 3

Low air pressure. Boiling point depends on air pressure.

Answer 4

Because of the lower pressure. Boiling point lowers with pressure,  Put that water into a vacuum and water will boil at room temp when the vacuum equals the vapor pressure.

Answer 5

Water boils when its "vapour pressure" is equal to the air pressure around it.

At high altitudes (like at the top of a tall mountain) the air pressure around the water is less than the air pressure at sea level, so the water is able to "release its vapour" at a lower temperature.

Answer 6

The atmosphere is thinner (air pressure is decreased) at the top of Mt. Whitney (or any comparably sized mountains) than at sea level. (This is why on some boxed food instructions, like Hamburger Helper or Betty Crocker cake mixes, there is an additional set of preparation directions included that takes into account the atmosphere at higher elevations.)