Braingle: 'Boiling Water' Brain Teaser

Boiling Water

Science brain teasers require understanding of the physical or biological world and the laws that govern it.

Puzzle ID:	#3552
Fun:	(2.78)
Difficulty:	(1.88)
Category:	Science
Submitted By:	Bobbrt
Corrected By:	MarcM1098

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.

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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.
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Comments

supanova_gurl Apr 26, 2002	pretty good... u learn someting new everyday!
curly May 05, 2002	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!!!
jimmh22 May 06, 2002	the scientist could also do his experiment at extemely high altitude, which is the same general idea as creating the vacuum
(user deleted) 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!
mcfarfar Jan 21, 2003	what about adding Dry Ice to it? wouldnt that make it boil, or at least look like it?
mcfarfar Jan 21, 2003	nevermind that would count as cooling it down
cyberstar5150 Aug 04, 2006	Standard physics When vapor pressure = atmospheric pressure, the liquid comes to a boil.
calmsavior Mar 12, 2007	What if he had a boil (skin) on his head
precious1026 Dec 13, 2008	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

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