Brain Teasers
Boiling Water
A clever scientist in his lab can bring pure water to a vigorous boil, then immediately pour the water over his head without scalding himself. How does he do it?
Note: He does not cool the water down and he has no protective clothing whatsoever.
Note: He does not cool the water down and he has no protective clothing whatsoever.
Hint
There are two ways to boil water. One is to heat it to 212 degrees Fahrenheit. What is the other?Answer
He can apply a vacuum to a container of water. The water will boil but will remain at room temperature. He can then quickly relieve the vacuum and pour the water over his head without worry of scalding himself.Hide Hint Show Hint Hide Answer Show Answer
What Next?
View a Similar Brain Teaser...
If you become a registered user you can vote on this brain teaser, keep track of which ones you have seen, and even make your own.
Solve a Puzzle
Comments
pretty good... u learn someting new everyday!
Also he could pour the boiling water into a jug whilst holding it over his head. Thus pouring boiling water over his head. If the question said ,pouring boiling water ON TO his head then that would be different.......and stupid!!!
the scientist could also do his experiment at extemely high altitude, which is the same general idea as creating the vacuum
Aug 14, 2002
Go up to a high altitude and boil water without a vaccum and then pour it on your head. Call me when you get out of the hospital. I'll stick with the vaccum!
what about adding Dry Ice to it? wouldnt that make it boil, or at least look like it?
nevermind
that would count as cooling it down
that would count as cooling it down
Standard physics
When vapor pressure = atmospheric pressure, the liquid comes to a boil.
When vapor pressure = atmospheric pressure, the liquid comes to a boil.
What if he had a boil (skin) on his head
The problem arises with boiling "Pure" water. When we boil pure water, we don't mean to suggest Additives, such as a vaccum. I thought pouring the water Over his head and not touching his head with boiling water was better, than the old vaccum in the pot trick. Good Teaser, good fun. Great job
I guessed right, but wasn't sure?
Very interesting fact, thanks!
Very interesting fact, thanks!
To post a comment, please create an account and sign in.
Follow Braingle!