What is the term for the temperature at which a liquid turns into a gas?

Study for the Science PSSA Test. Use quizzes and flashcards, complete with hints and explanations. Prepare to ace your exam!

The term for the temperature at which a liquid turns into a gas is known as the boiling point. This process occurs when the vapor pressure of the liquid equals the atmospheric pressure surrounding it. At this temperature, molecules within the liquid gain enough energy to overcome the intermolecular forces that keep them in the liquid state, allowing them to break free and enter the gas phase.

Understanding the boiling point is crucial in various scientific applications, including cooking, chemical reactions, and understanding environmental processes. It's different from the melting point, which is the temperature where a solid turns into a liquid, and the freezing point, which is where a liquid turns into a solid. The condensation point, on the other hand, refers to the temperature at which a gas turns back into a liquid, which is the reverse process of boiling. Hence, boiling point accurately describes the transition of a liquid to a gas at a specific temperature under normal atmospheric conditions.

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