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Boiling Investigation

Rising Steam Bubbles before Boiling: Observational Experiment

Aim

Observe steam bubbles rising through a beaker of water as it is about to boil. Note that the water is not boiling yet.

Prior Knowledge

  1. Gas Laws.

Description of the Experiment

Looking at video footage of boiling, we noticed some rather curious behaviour. There were steam bubbles rising up before the beaker started to boil and each was accompanied by a popping sound. It helps to slow the video down and view it frame by frame. Try and propose a model to explain what you see. Yes, you don't have enough data, but give it a shot anyway...

Youtube movies can be stepped frame by frame using the , and . keys on your keyboard. If you want to download the movie to your computer, right-click or control-click HERE.