Visualizing the critical point of a substance (thermodynamics)

[Sentience]

Homework Statement

The critical point is defined as :

At the critical point there is no change of state when pressure is increased or if heat is added. At the critical point the water and steam can't be distinguished, and there is no point referring to water or steam.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

I guess I'm trying to get an intuitive feel for what that means. Hypothetically, suppose I could hold a transparent container full of a substance at the critical point. (without burning myself) What would I see? Would it appear as vapor? Is it not possible for water to exist as a liquid at such extremes?

This may sound like a silly question, but something about the definition doesn't sit right with me.

 

[LightHero]

In my mind, the critical point is almost a metaphysical barrier between two states of matter, where everything is in limbo. The answer is that at the critical point, the substance will appear as a superheated vapor. This is because at the critical point, the substance is no longer distinguishable as water or steam, but rather a gas-like state with properties of both. The temperature and pressure at the critical point are so high that the liquid phase of the substance cannot exist.