QUESTION #62

When liquid boils what TYPE of gases are in the bubbles?

Asked by: Joe Rusin

Answer

The gas in the bubbles you see in the liquid is that liquid in a gaseous state.

For example the gas in the bubbles of boiling water is simply steam. Boiling is a physical change not a chemical change, Therefore only the bonds between the molecules would break not the bonds between the elements. If you want to separate the Hydrogen from the Oxygen in H2O you would have to run an electric current though the water. Here's a hint put something in the water that will ionize, table salt or HCl will work, the electricity will flow easier with the ions. (Note form the editor: be careful this can be dangerous since the gases you produce may explode under certain conditions!)
Answered by: Joe Baldus, High School Senior