Electrolysis Practice Exam

At what temperature must boiling water reach to effectively sterilize objects?

1. 200 degrees Fahrenheit

2. 212 degrees Fahrenheit

3. 250 degrees Fahrenheit

4. 180 degrees Fahrenheit

The correct answer is: 212 degrees Fahrenheit

Boiling water effectively sterilizes objects at 212 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the boiling point of water at sea level. At this temperature, water becomes steam, and the heat penetrates objects, killing most bacteria, viruses, and fungi present. For effective sterilization, it is crucial to maintain this temperature for a sufficient duration to ensure that all pathogens are eradicated. While other temperatures may have their uses in various processes, they do not reach the necessary heat for complete sterilization. For instance, 200 degrees Fahrenheit is below the boiling point, and while it might pasteurize, it does not guarantee sterilization. Temperatures like 250 degrees Fahrenheit are often used in the context of autoclaving, which is a different sterilization method involving pressure and steam. Lastly, 180 degrees Fahrenheit, also not sufficient for sterilization, is often associated with cooking or pasteurization rather than effective sterilization. Therefore, the boiling point of water, at 212 degrees Fahrenheit, is the critical temperature for reliably sterilizing objects.