Why is the burn from 100∘C steam more severe than that from 100∘C water? Why is the burn from 100 steam more severe than that from 100 water? This is a myth and is not true. The steam is at a higher pressure. The steam must release energy to condense into water at 100∘C and then release more energy as it cools from 100∘C to a common temperature with the skin. The heat capacity of steam is larger than that of water.

Question

Katelyn Harmon

Chemistry

21 October, 03:53

Why is the burn from 100∘C steam more severe than that from 100∘C water? Why is the burn from 100 steam more severe than that from 100 water? This is a myth and is not true. The steam is at a higher pressure. The steam must release energy to condense into water at 100∘C and then release more energy as it cools from 100∘C to a common temperature with the skin. The heat capacity of steam is larger than that of water.

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Answers (1)

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Johnathan Dodson · Answer 1

The correct answer is:

The steam is at a higher pressure. The steam must release energy to condense into water at 100∘C and then release more energy as it cools from 100∘C to a common temperature with the skin.

Explanation:

when water goes from the liquid phase to the gaseous (steam) phase, it uses an energy called heat of vaporization. When steam (gaseous water) at 100°C hits the skin, which is at a lower temperature of about 33°C, the vapor loses its heat of vaporization, as it undergoes a phase change from gas to liquid. This energy, in addition to the energy released on cooling, is directed at the cells on the skin causing a damage seen as burns. However, the energy released from boiling water when in contact with the skin is only from cooling, and is comparatively lesser than that of steam hence causing a lesser degree of burn.