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The Boiling Point of Water — Reading Comprehension

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Grades

Standards

5-PS1
MS-PS1-4
RI.6.3
RI.7.1

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This passage, 'The Boiling Point of Water,' introduces students to the physical property of boiling point through one of the most familiar substances—water. It explains that water boils at 100°C (373.15 K), turning from liquid into gas, and highlights that this is a physical change where the substance remains the same. Students also learn how boiling point can change with air pressure, such as at high altitudes. The content aligns with NGSS standard MS-PS1-4, which focuses on particle motion and state changes, and supports Common Core ELA standards like RI.6.1 and RI.6.4. Real-life examples—like cooking, steam cleaning, and weather—make the science relevant and relatable. Includes 8 multiple choice questions, a fun fact, and vocabulary practice. This passage is ideal for combining science content with reading comprehension.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Water is a substance we use every day—for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and more. But have you ever noticed what happens when you heat water long enough? It starts to bubble and turn into steam. This is called boiling, and the temperature at which it happens is called the boiling point.

The boiling point of water is 100 degrees Celsius (°C.. That means when water reaches 100°C, it changes from a liquid to a gas. This gas is called water vapor or steam. In the Kelvin temperature scale, the boiling point of water is 373.15 K.

Boiling point is a physical property. This means that when water boils, it changes its state—from liquid to gas—but it’s still water (H₂O). The molecules move faster as they gain heat, and they spread out, turning into vapor.

The boiling point can change depending on air pressure. At higher altitudes, like on a mountain, water boils at a lower temperature because the air pressure is lower. That’s why it takes longer to cook pasta in high places!

Boiling point is important in everyday life and science. It helps us cook food, clean tools with steam, and understand weather patterns like evaporation and cloud formation.

In summary, water boils at 100°C or 373.15 K, turning from liquid to gas. This simple but powerful process is a key part of the water cycle and many science experiments.

Fun Fact : At the top of Mount Everest, water boils at just about 70°C (158°F)—that’s so low, it’s hard to make a proper cup of tea!

What is the boiling point of water in Celsius?

0°C50°C100°C150°C

What is the boiling point of water in Kelvin?

273.15 K350.0 K373.15 K400.0 K

What happens to water when it reaches its boiling point?

It freezes into iceIt turns into gasIt becomes heavierIt changes into a solid

What does it mean that boiling point is a physical property?

The water changes into a new substanceBoiling breaks the water moleculesWater changes state but stays the same substanceIt only happens in science labs

Why does water boil at a lower temperature in high places?

Because the water is thinnerBecause the air pressure is lowerBecause heat risesBecause steam is heavier than air

Which best explains what boiling is?

Water turning into iceWater cooling downWater bubbling and changing into steamWater absorbing other chemicals

What is steam made of?

Tiny ice crystalsAir and smokeWater in gas formFire particles

Why is boiling point important in science and daily life?

It helps cool things downIt helps understand steam engines onlyIt’s used in cooking, cleaning, and weather studiesIt makes water safer to drink by freezing it