Question

Steam at \(100^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) causes more serious burns than water at \(100^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\). Why?

Short answer

Steam at \(100^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) causes more serious burns than water at \(100^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) because steam contains more thermal energy due to the latent heat of vaporization absorbed during the phase change from liquid to gas. This extra energy is released when the steam comes into contact with skin, causing a more severe burn.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Thermal Energy

Thermal energy is a form of kinetic energy, it is related to the temperature of an object and the motion of the particles within that object. When another object comes into contact with this object, thermal energy can be transferred which can potentially result in a burn.

Understanding Phase Change and Latent Heat

When water changes from a liquid to a gas (steam), it goes through a phase change. During this process, it absorbs a certain amount of energy called the 'latent heat of vaporization'. Even at the same temperature, steam contains more energy than water because it has absorbed this extra energy during phase change. This additional energy is then released when steam comes into contact with skin and condenses back into water.

Conclusion

So, steam can cause more serious burns than water at the same temperature because it releases more thermal energy (in the form of the latent heat of vaporization) when it comes into contact with the skin and condenses back into water.