The boiling point of water is

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2023

Explanation

The boiling point is the temperature at which a liquid's vapor pressure equals the surrounding atmospheric pressure, causing it to turn into a gas.
At standard atmospheric pressure (at sea level), water boils at precisely 100°C or 212°F.
This is a fundamental physical constant for water and represents the transition from the liquid to the gaseous (steam) phase.

Option A: This is not the boiling point of water at standard atmospheric pressure. It is a higher temperature achieved under increased pressure.
Option B: This temperature is significantly higher than the normal boiling point of water.
Option C: This temperature is double the actual boiling point of water at standard pressure.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Physical properties of water and principles of sterilization as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding that water boils at 100°C is crucial for basic disinfection procedures. Boiling items for a specified time can kill most pathogenic bacteria and viruses.
Nurses must also know that boiling is not true sterilization because it does not kill bacterial spores. For complete sterility (e.g., for surgical instruments), an autoclave is necessary, which uses steam under pressure to reach 121°C.
What if? - The procedure is being performed in a high-altitude location like Leh? At high altitudes, atmospheric pressure is lower, so water boils at a temperature below 100°C. This makes boiling less effective for disinfection, and sterilization cycles in autoclaves must be adjusted (usually by increasing the time) to compensate.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question testing fundamental scientific knowledge.
First, identify the key concept in the question, which is the 'boiling point of water'.
Recall the standard temperature at which water boils on the Celsius scale under normal atmospheric conditions.
Scan the options to find the value that matches this scientific fact.
Select 100°C as the correct answer.
Mentally check the other options. Recognizing 121°C as the temperature for autoclaving helps confirm that it's a plausible but incorrect distractor for this specific question.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nutrition Monika Sharma 3e p. 265-267

E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart A (pp 26-201 of 604) p. 127-129

Practise the full RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2023

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.