What happens to the boiling point of water when salt is added?

Adding salt to water causes the boiling point to increase, a phenomenon known as boiling point elevation. This occurs because the presence of salt (or other solutes) disrupts the ability of water molecules to evaporate into the gas phase. More energy (in the form of heat) is required to reach the temperature at which the vapor pressure of the liquid equals atmospheric pressure, which is when boiling occurs. This means that the boiling point is raised as a result of the salt in the water.

When salt dissolves, it dissociates into its component ions. These ions interfere with the formation of vapor bubbles, which need to form in order for boiling to occur. Without the ability to easily form bubbles, more heat must be applied to achieve boiling. This is why, when salt is added, the boiling point rises above the standard 100 degrees Celsius (212 degrees Fahrenheit) under normal atmospheric pressure.