Question

Why is a steam burn more damaging than a burn from boiling water at the same temperature?

Answer 1

A steam burn is more damaging than a burn from boiling water at the same temperature due to the release of latent heat energy when steam comes into contact with the skin.

Step-by-step explanation:

A steam burn is more damaging than a burn from boiling water at the same temperature because steam carries more energy due to its phase change from water to steam. When water is heated to boiling point, it absorbs a significant amount of heat energy to change from liquid to gas. When this steam comes into contact with the skin, it releases the latent heat, causing a more severe burn.

Answer 2

The phase change (from gas to liquid) that the steam undergoes right when it touches your skin releases a lot of energy right onto your skin so it burns a ton. The boiling water would just burn you until it reaches the same temperature as your skin.