Dew point more important than boiling point

In summary, the critical point between the liquid and gas phases is the dew point, not the boiling point. Melting/freezing and evaporation/condensation are analogous processes on different boundaries. Boiling is a separate phenomenon and is not possible in equilibrium. The dew point is a line and the boiling point is one end of it, but is often talked about more in early science classes. Strictly speaking, the boiling point is the temperature at which the vapor pressure of a liquid equals one atmosphere and is just one point on the vapor pressure curve.
  • #1
Khashishi
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I was thinking, the critical point between the liquid and gas phases is the dew point, not the boiling point, right? Melting/freezing on the solid/liquid boundary is analogous to evaporation/condensation on the liquid/gas boundary. Boiling is something totally different, and is not possible in equilibrium.

I'm not really puzzled by anything. I just think it's strange that we hear so much more about boiling than evaporation in early science classes
 
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  • #2
Dew point is a line and boiling point is on one end of it. It stands out.
 
  • #3
Strictly speaking, "boiling point" is the temperature at which vapor pressure (of a liquid) equals one atmosphere; it's just one point on the vapor pressure curve.
 

Related to Dew point more important than boiling point

What is the difference between dew point and boiling point?

The dew point is the temperature at which water vapor in the air condenses into liquid water, while the boiling point is the temperature at which a liquid changes into a gas. The dew point is influenced by the amount of water vapor in the air, while the boiling point is determined by the type of substance and atmospheric pressure.

Why is dew point considered more important than boiling point?

Dew point is considered more important because it gives a more accurate measure of the amount of moisture in the air. It is also a better indicator of potential condensation and evaporation, which can affect weather patterns and human comfort levels.

How does dew point affect humidity?

As the dew point increases, so does the humidity. This is because the higher the dew point, the more water vapor is present in the air. When the humidity reaches 100%, the air cannot hold any more water vapor and it will start to condense, leading to fog, dew, or precipitation.

Does dew point have any impact on human health?

High dew points can make the air feel more humid and uncomfortable, which can lead to heat-related illnesses. Low dew points can cause dry skin and respiratory irritation. In general, a dew point between 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit is considered comfortable for most people.

How does climate change affect dew point and boiling point?

Climate change can lead to an increase in both dew point and boiling point. As the Earth's temperature rises, more water vapor is able to be held in the air, resulting in higher dew points. Additionally, changes in atmospheric pressure and composition can also affect boiling points of substances, leading to an overall increase in boiling point temperatures.

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