...and that's the interpretation of thermodynamics texts as well.chroot said:Steam is, in fact, invisible. It is pure water vapor, and is a gas.
The whitish cloudy stuff you see rising from your pasta pot on the stove is not steam -- it's just air with condensed water droplets in it.
- Warren
Steam is a gaseous state of water that is formed when liquid water is heated to its boiling point and vaporizes. It is an invisible gas that can be felt as heat and seen when it condenses into tiny water droplets.
Technically, steam is considered a gas because it is in a gaseous state. However, it is often referred to as a vapor, which is a substance in a gaseous state that is usually a liquid or solid at room temperature.
The main difference between steam and water is their physical states. Steam is a gas, while water is a liquid. Additionally, steam is at a much higher temperature than water, as it is formed when water is heated to its boiling point.
Steam is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. It is less dense than air and has a high amount of energy due to its high temperature. It also has the ability to expand and take up more space than its liquid form, making it a powerful source of energy.
Steam has many practical applications in our daily lives. It is used for cooking, heating, and powering machines such as steam engines and turbines. It is also used in industrial processes, such as sterilization and cleaning, and to generate electricity. Additionally, steam is an important component of many natural and artificial hot springs and geysers.