Final answer:
Lower air pressure results in a lower boiling point for water because a decrease in atmospheric pressure reduces the energy required for water to boil. Water boils at temperatures below 100°C at high altitudes where the atmospheric pressure is lower, such as in Denver or on Mount Everest.
Step-by-step explanation:
The relationship that explains how water controls room temperature is that lower air pressure results in a lower boiling point. When the air pressure decreases, it requires less energy to convert liquid water into its gaseous state (steam), meaning water can boil at a lower temperature. This is because the atmospheric pressure is what ordinarily pushes against the water, requiring it to reach a higher temperature to boil. At higher altitudes, the atmospheric pressure is lower than at sea level, and this results in water boiling at temperatures below the standard 100°C. Conversely, in a pressure cooker, the pressure is increased, allowing water to reach temperatures above 100°C without boiling, speeding up the cooking process.
For instance, in Denver, Colorado, which is approximately 1600 meters above sea level, the atmospheric pressure is lower at about 640 mm Hg, and water boils around 95°C. Similarly, on Mount Everest, the air pressure is much lower than on the ground, resulting in an even lower boiling point for water.