Which statement best explains why burns from steam at 100°C are more severe than burns from water at 100°C?

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Question

Which statement best explains why burns from steam at 100°C are more severe than burns from water at 100°C?

Accepted Answer

B. Steam releases its latent heat of vaporisation when it condenses on the skin — Steam at 100°C carries additional energy in the form of latent heat of vaporisation (approximately 2 260 000 J/kg). When steam condenses on skin, this large amount of energy is released in addition to any subsequent cooling, causing much more severe burns than water at the same temperature.

Answer

D. Steam moves faster and transfers more kinetic energy to skin

Answer

C. Steam has a greater specific heat capacity than liquid water

Answer

A. Steam has a higher temperature than boiling water

Answer

B. Steam releases its latent heat of vaporisation when it condenses on the skin

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