Question
Question: If two bodies of water and steam are both at 100°C and have the same mass. They are in contact with ...
If two bodies of water and steam are both at 100°C and have the same mass. They are in contact with our skin, which is likely to cause a more severe burn?
A
the water
B
the steam
C
there is no difference
D
it depends on the steam's pressure
Answer
the steam
Explanation
Solution
Steam at 100°C contains the latent heat of vaporization in addition to its thermal energy. When steam comes into contact with skin, it first condenses into water at 100°C, releasing this latent heat. This extra energy transfer causes a more severe burn compared to water at the same temperature, which only transfers its thermal energy.