The structure of a metal surface can affect how adjacent water boils

By Stephen Ornes

Web edition: October 2, 2012

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Superheated steel balls submerged in water: One on left was treated with chemicals that repel water. It prevented formation of tiny bubbles (see right, untreated ball) that precede a boil.

Credit: Ivan Vakarelski

Eventually, that watched pot will boil. But before it does, the water will seem to get excited. The tiny bubbles that form on the bottom of the pot will float up to the surface and pop. Then more bubbles will form, and more and more — until they look like jets of miniature pearls racing to the water’s surface. Those bubbles form when the pot sizzles enough to turn water into steam — but before the water itself is hot enough to boil.

Now scientists have found a way to boil water without those initial tiny bubbles.

Visit the new Science News for Kids website and read the full story: Tiny bubbles, be gone