Final answer:
Water converts to steam most rapidly when applied in a fog pattern, due to increased surface area for heat absorption. Water's high specific heat and ability to absorb 539 cal/g during phase change are crucial for its role as a coolant and climate moderator.
Step-by-step explanation:
Water absorbs heat and converts to steam most rapidly when it is applied in a fog pattern. This method increases the surface area of water in contact with the heat source, allowing for quick heat absorption. When water undergoes a phase change from liquid to steam, it absorbs 539 cal/g of heat. This phase change occurs at 100°C, known as the molar heat of vaporization. Beyond this, as steam is heated from 100°C to higher temperatures, the heat absorbed is calculated using the specific heat of steam, which is 0.482 cal/g.°C, and by applying the formula for heat absorption, ∆H = Cp x m x ∆T.
The efficiency in heat absorption is also due to water's high specific heat, which allows water to absorb large quantities of heat without significantly increasing in temperature. Such properties make water an excellent coolant for machinery. Additionally, water as a coolant contributes to the moderate climate of coastal areas due to its ability to absorb and release heat efficiently between the ocean and the atmosphere.