Which requires more energy: to raise 1 kg of liquid water from 0 to 100 degrees (Celsius) or to turn that water to steam after it hits 100 degrees? Assume the specific heat capacity of water is approximately independent of temperature.

Answer 1

Heating of the liquid from 0 to 100 C requires 100 cal/g. Evaporation requires 540 cal/g, more than five times as much heat.