Boiling vs. Evaporating: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on November 9, 2023
Boiling is the rapid vaporization of a liquid when it's heated to its boiling point; evaporating is a gradual process where a liquid turns into vapor at temperatures below its boiling point.
Key Differences
Boiling is a phase transition that a substance undergoes when it reaches a specific temperature, known as its boiling point, where the liquid turns into vapor or gas. During this process, bubbles form within the liquid and rise to the surface as the entire liquid is at its boiling point. Conversely, evaporating is a surface phenomenon that can occur at any temperature below the boiling point of a liquid. Only molecules with enough kinetic energy from the surface of the liquid become vapor during evaporation.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
The process of boiling often requires an external heat source to maintain the temperature and continue the phase transition. For example, water boils at 212°F (100°C) under standard atmospheric pressure, and we observe rigorous bubbling when this happens. In contrast, evaporating can occur without any external heat source. We see evaporation in action when a puddle of water dries up on a sunny day or even when clothes dry at room temperature.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
In boiling, the vaporization happens throughout the entire volume of the liquid. This is why when water is boiling, we see bubbles forming everywhere, not just on the surface. With evaporating, the transformation from liquid to vapor only takes place at the surface of the liquid. This is why, when water in a bowl is left exposed to air, the water level goes down gradually without any visible bubbling.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
It's crucial to note that both boiling and evaporating are natural processes by which a substance turns from its liquid phase to its gaseous phase. However, boiling is more aggressive and requires the liquid to reach a particular temperature, whereas evaporation is gentler and can occur over a range of temperatures below the boiling point.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 09, 2023
Comparison Chart
Definition
Rapid vaporization at boiling point
Gradual vaporization below boiling point
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
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Heat Source
Often requires external source
Can occur without an external source
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
Visible Indicator
Bubbles forming in the liquid
Liquid level decreases over time
Aimie Carlson
Nov 09, 2023
Boiling and Evaporating Definitions
Boiling
Characterized by the formation of bubbles in a liquid due to heat.
The boiling pot overflowed onto the stove.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 25, 2023
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Evaporating
The process of concentrating a substance by evaporating off its solvent.
The salt was obtained through the evaporating process.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 25, 2023
Boiling
The act of cooking something by boiling it.
The boiling of the vegetables took about ten minutes.
Sara Rehman
Oct 25, 2023
Evaporating
To extract moisture from a substance.
The machine is used for evaporating milk to make powdered form.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 25, 2023
Boiling
Extremely hot in temperature.
The boiling sun made the day unbearable.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 25, 2023
Evaporating
The process by which a substance transforms from its liquid state to a gaseous state.
The evaporating water left behind a residue.
Harlon Moss
Oct 25, 2023
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Boiling
Expressing great agitation or excitement.
The crowd was boiling with enthusiasm.
Sara Rehman
Oct 25, 2023
Evaporating
The act of disappearing or vanishing.
The hopes of winning were quickly evaporating.
Sara Rehman
Oct 25, 2023
Evaporating
Dissipating or dispersing like vapor.
The morning mist was evaporating as the sun rose.
Sara Rehman
Oct 25, 2023
Boiling
Used as an intensive
Fainted because it was boiling hot.
Boiling mad over the mistake.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Evaporating
To draw moisture from, as by heating, leaving only the dry solid portion.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Boiling
The process of changing the state of a substance from liquid to gas by heating it to its boiling point.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Boiling
(uncountable) An animation style with constantly changing wavy outlines, giving a shimmering or wobbling appearance.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Boiling
Of a thing: extremely hot or active.
The radiator is boiling – I’m going to turn it down a bit.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Boiling
Of a person: feeling uncomfortably hot.
I’m boiling – can’t we open a window?
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Boiling
Heated to the point of bubbling; heaving with bubbles; in tumultuous agitation, as boiling liquid; surging; seething; swelling with heat, ardor, or passion.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Boiling
The process by which a liquid turns into vapor when it reaches its boiling point.
The boiling of water produces steam.
Harlon Moss
Oct 25, 2023
FAQs
Is boiling a cooling process?
Boiling requires energy (heat), but the liquid cools as it loses molecules to vaporization.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
Do all liquids have the same boiling point?
No, different liquids have different boiling points based on their unique properties.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
Why does my cup of water disappear if I leave it out for days?
The water in the cup undergoes evaporation, turning into vapor.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
Why do I see steam when water is boiling?
Steam is the water vapor produced due to the boiling process.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
What causes a liquid to boil?
A liquid boils when it reaches a temperature where its vapor pressure equals the external pressure.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
Is evaporation a type of vaporization?
Yes, evaporation is a type of vaporization that occurs on the surface of a liquid.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
Why does a puddle disappear over time?
A puddle disappears due to the evaporation of the water.
Harlon Moss
Nov 09, 2023
Can evaporation occur in the shade?
Yes, evaporation can occur in the shade, although it might be slower than in direct sunlight.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
Does evaporation only happen in liquids?
Primarily, but solids can sublimate directly into a gas without becoming liquid.
Sara Rehman
Nov 09, 2023
Does evaporation cause cooling?
Yes, evaporation causes cooling as the surface loses its highest energy molecules.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
Does saltwater evaporate?
Yes, but the salt remains behind after the water has evaporated.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
Can boiling occur without heating?
Boiling can occur without external heating if the pressure around the liquid is reduced.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
Why do I see bubbles when water is boiling?
Bubbles are formed by the rapid formation of water vapor due to boiling.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
Do all substances evaporate?
Most substances can evaporate under the right conditions, but the rates vary.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
What's the boiling point of alcohol?
Ethanol, a common type of alcohol, boils at around 173.1°F (78.37°C).
Harlon Moss
Nov 09, 2023
Does increasing the temperature always increase evaporation rate?
Generally, yes; a higher temperature gives molecules more energy to evaporate.
Harlon Moss
Nov 09, 2023
Why does soup become thicker after boiling for a long time?
As water boils off in the form of steam, the remaining ingredients become more concentrated.
Janet White
Nov 09, 2023
What factors affect the rate of evaporation?
Temperature, surface area, humidity, wind speed, and pressure affect evaporation rate.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
At what temperature does water boil?
Water boils at 212°F (100°C) at standard atmospheric pressure.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
Is boiling an endothermic or exothermic process?
Boiling is an endothermic process; it absorbs heat.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
