Question

why is a burn from steam potentially more serios than a burn from very hot water?

Water at boiling temperature has a specific heat of 1 calorie per gram. Steam, however, at the same temperature, has a heat of vaporization of 540 calories/gram. Thefore, steam condenses and releases 540 calories per gram but hot water releases 1 calorie per gram (per degree). Big difference.

thanks!!!
1,040 calories

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