An autoclave is used to sterilize surgical equipment because

a) it allows water to boil at temperatures less than 100 °c.
b) it allows water to boil at 100 °c at pressures less than 1 atm.
c) it allows water to boil at 100 °c at pressures greater than 1 atm.
d) it allows water to boil at temperatures above 100 °c.
e) it provides very high temperatures and very low pressures.