Final answer:
Water is converted to steam at 212°F (100°C), the standard boiling point at atmospheric pressure, due to the high heat of vaporization required to break the hydrogen bonds between water molecules.
Step-by-step explanation:
Water is converted to steam at 212°F (100°C), which is the boiling point of water at standard atmospheric pressure. When water reaches this temperature, the energy from the heat is strong enough to break the hydrogen bonds between the water molecules, allowing them to escape as gas. The heat of vaporization for water is quite high, requiring an absorption of 539 cal/g during this phase change. Furthermore, after water has turned into steam, its temperature can continue to rise, absorbing heat at a rate of 0.482 cal/g.°C if further heating continues in a closed container.