Exploring the Science Behind Boiling Point and Hardness

1. Why does water boil easier at high altitudes compared to lower altitudes?

Choices:

A. Easier

B. Harder

C. Same

D. Decreases

2. Why is diamond considered a hard substance?

Choices:

A. Hard

B. Soft

C. Covalent network

1. Answer:

Water boils easier at high altitudes

2. Answer:

Diamond is hard due to its covalent network structure

Water boils easier at high altitudes due to the difference in atmospheric pressure.

At higher altitudes, like in Lake Tahoe, the atmospheric pressure is lower, which means that the vapor pressure of water is reached at a lower temperature. This makes boiling easier in high altitudes and harder in lower altitudes where the atmospheric pressure is higher.

Diamond is a hard substance because it is made up of a covalent network of carbon atoms. Each carbon atom is bonded to four other carbon atoms, creating a strong and rigid structure with strong covalent bonds between the atoms. This gives diamond its hardness.