Final answer:
Boiling water involves a phase change from liquid to gas and energy absorption, which relates to atomic theory but isn't an example of it. It allows us to understand the behavior of atoms during this change and involves concepts like endothermic process and thermal equilibrium.
Step-by-step explanation:
Boiling water is not an example of atomic theory, but it does involve concepts that are integral to understanding atomic theory. When water boils, it undergoes a physical change from a liquid to a gas at its boiling point. This process is known as a phase change. The atomic theory helps to explain the behavior of atoms and molecules during this process, but the act of boiling water itself is not an example of atomic theory.
In relation to atomic theory, chemists have conducted experiments and used the scientific method to understand the structure, properties, and behavior of atoms, as described by Dalton's Atomic Theory. This theory has been fundamental in explaining how chemical changes occur and has allowed for the stoichiometry practice, which is the counting of atoms in a reaction to ensure mass conservation.
The chemical reaction for the boiling of water can be represented with the chemical equation H2O(l) → H2O(g), where (l) indicates the liquid state and (g) denotes the gaseous state. During the boiling process, energy in the form of heat is absorbed by the water, making it an endothermic process, as indicated by the positive ΔHvap (enthalpy of vaporization).
According to the Zeroth law of thermodynamics, when boiling water is added to a cup at room temperature, we can expect the final equilibrium temperature of the contents to be higher than room temperature due to heat transfer until thermal equilibrium is reached between the water and the surroundings.