The triple point of water

Words MICHAEL ABDALLAH

Science in schools teaches us that there are three states of water: solid, liquid and gas. We also know that as water cools it begins to freeze into a solid; conversely, if we heat it up it’ll evaporate into steam or vapour.

Now, did you know that the speed and temperature at which water freezes, evaporates or remains in its liquid state, is not absolute? It’s actually largely affected by the air pressure.

For example, the boiling point of water reported in all science textbooks is at 1 atmospheric pressure, which is basically sea level. At sea level, water is known to boil at 100°C; if you reduce the atmospheric pressure, the water will boil at 98°C, and if you continue to reduce the atmospheric pressure, it will boil a lot quicker.

Now, why does this matter? It matters because there’s an atmospheric pressure and temperature at which water, ice and steam all co-exist and it’s called the triple point of water. Imagine looking at a glass of water, and at one very precise temperature and air pressure, that glass of water will steam up and have ice circling in it while remaining a liquid. Tell me that doesn’t blow your mind!

Unfortunately, there really isn’t much research or content on this topic, and the reason I referenced it was merely to highlight the fact that we go through this world oblivious to just how amazing the world around us is. We live out our lives at what we call ‘room temperature’ and ‘1 atmospheric pressure’, and yet we allow these limiting factors to define our life, our experiences and how we interact with our environment.

The reality of our lives is far from what we’ve been (mis)led to believe. Once you can expand your way of thinking, you’ll not only appreciate the blessings and gifts you have, you’ll be able to genuinely cultivate your soul and become more yourself. You can change and transform just like the water, which shows that when you allow yourself to be surrounded by the right atmosphere and the right temperature, you’re not bound to only one experience in life.

And just like all three forms of water co-existing at all time, for your mind, body and spirit, it’s the environment that determines how well you’re able to welcome new opportunities and new possibilities.

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