Why does steam at 100°C cause more severe burns compared to boiling water at the same temperature?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The correct answer is option 1 i.e. Steam carries additional latent heat that is released upon condensation.
Steam at 100°C causes more severe burns than boiling water at 100°C because steam contains a large amount of latent heat of vaporization. When steam touches the skin, it condenses into water, releasing this extra hidden heat directly onto the skin. This sudden release of energy transfers far more heat than boiling water can at the same temperature, leading to deeper tissue damage.
Boiling water, although hot, only transfers its sensible heat, not any additional latent heat. The option stating water evaporates instantly is incorrect because evaporation requires heat, which would cool the surface, not worsen burns. Steam also does not cool faster; it actually releases more heat during condensation. Thus, latent heat makes steam burns more dangerous.