What term describes the temperature at which a substance transforms from a liquid to a gas?

The temperature at which a substance transforms from a liquid to a gas is referred to as the boiling point. This phase change occurs when the vapor pressure of the liquid equals the surrounding atmospheric pressure, allowing the molecules to gain enough energy to overcome intermolecular forces and enter the gaseous state.

In liquids, molecules are closely packed but still have the energy to move around, which is what differentiates them from solids. As the temperature increases, these molecules gain kinetic energy. Once they reach the boiling point, they have enough energy to break free from the liquid phase and transition to gas.

In contrast, the melting point indicates the temperature at which a solid becomes a liquid, while the sublimation point refers to the temperature at which a solid changes directly into a gas without becoming a liquid first. The condensation point represents the temperature at which a gas transforms back into a liquid. Understanding these definitions clarifies why boiling point is the term that accurately describes the liquid-to-gas transformation.