The thermal properties of water

Plain white paper cups scattered across a white surface

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Explore water’s boiling point, specific heat capacity and thermal conductivity in this demonstration. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

The fact that water has a boiling point of 100 °C means that paper will not reach its ignition temperature if water is heated in a paper cup. The high specific heat capacity of water means the temperature rise in a heated balloon is limited if it contains water.

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