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Chapter 12: Problem 78

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

Short Answer

Expert verified
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

01

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.
02

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.
03

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.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

A solid is soft and has a low melting point (below \(100^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) ). The solid, its melt, and a solution containing the substance are all nonconductors of electricity. Classify the solid.

A student hangs wet clothes outdoors on a winter day when the temperature is \(-15^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\). After a few hours, the clothes are found to be fairly dry. Describe the phase changes in this drying process.

A glass can be filled slightly above the rim with water. Explain why the water does not overflow.

A \(1.20-\mathrm{g}\) sample of water is injected into an evacuated \(5.00-\mathrm{L}\) flask at \(65^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\). What percentage of the water will be vapor when the system reaches equi librium? Assume ideal behavior of water vapor an that the volume of liquid water is negligible. The va por pressure of water at \(65^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) is \(187.5 \mathrm{mmHg}\).

Use water and mercury as examples to explain adhesion and cohesion.
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