The boiling point of water decreases at higher altitudes because

Options

(a) the atmospheric pressure is low
(b) the temperature is low
(c) the atmospheric pressure is high
(d) the temperature is high

Correct Answer:

the atmospheric pressure is low

Explanation:

The normal boiling point is the temperature at which the vapour pressure of a liquid is equal to exactly one standard atmospheric pressure (760 mm of Hg). Thus, at high altitudes where the atmospheric pressure is less than 760 mm, water boils at temperature below its normal boiling point of 100⁰C.