At what temperature does a substance reach its boiling point?

The boiling point of a substance is defined as the temperature at which it changes from a liquid to a gas. This transformation occurs because the thermal energy of the particles in the liquid increases, allowing them to overcome the intermolecular forces holding them together and transition into the gaseous state. When a liquid reaches its boiling point, it begins to vaporize rapidly throughout the bulk of the liquid, as opposed to just at the surface, which is characteristic of boiling.

Understanding this concept is crucial in physical science, as it helps explain various phenomena related to states of matter and phase changes, as well as the applications of boiling points in practical situations, such as cooking or distillation processes.