What is the temperature at which water boils at sea level?

The boiling point of water at sea level is defined as 100 degrees Celsius. This value is established due to the atmospheric pressure at sea level, which is approximately 101.3 kPa (kilopascals). At this pressure, water reaches a state where its vapor pressure equals the surrounding atmospheric pressure, allowing it to transition from the liquid phase to the gas phase, which we observe as boiling.

Understanding this concept is crucial, especially in scientific and medical contexts, as boiling points can affect various processes such as sterilization, cooking, and other temperature-dependent reactions. Knowing that water boils at 100 degrees Celsius at sea level is a fundamental aspect of chemistry and physics that is relevant in numerous fields, including healthcare, where precise temperature control can be crucial for sterilization and other protocols.