Which Burns More? Water or Steam at 100°C

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Brammo
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the comparative burn potential of 100°C water versus 100°C steam, exploring the factors that contribute to the severity of burns, including heat capacity and thermal conductivity. Participants examine the implications of equal mass contact with skin and the physical properties of both states of water.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether heat capacity influences the burn potential, expressing confusion about its relevance compared to thermal conductivity.
  • Another participant argues that steam has a higher total heat capacity because it can condense into water at 100°C, releasing energy, but suggests that water may cause more severe burns due to its higher thermal conductivity.
  • A later reply points out the oddity of the question, noting that equal masses of steam and water may not realistically contact a victim in the same way.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the factors influencing burn severity, with no consensus reached on whether heat capacity or thermal conductivity is more critical. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the practical implications of equal mass contact.

Contextual Notes

Assumptions about equal mass contact and the physical properties of steam and water are not fully explored, leaving open questions about the practical scenarios in which burns occur.

Brammo
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Which is more likely to cause a serious burn, 100^{o}C of water or an equal mass of 100^{o}C of steam.

I was thinking that because the steam has a lower heat capacity it would do less lamage as it has a lesser ability to transfer heat. Or has it got nothing to do with heat capacity? I am a bit confused.

Or is is it to do with the thermal conductivity?
 
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The steam would actually have a higher total heat capacity, since it could condense into 100C water and release energy in the process (and then it would still be water at 100C). I suspect the water will give a more serious burn though, due to the higher thermal conductivity. Even though the steam has more energy, the water will conduct it into the skin of the person touching it much faster.
 
Brilliant thank you.
 
The question is a bit odd as posed. Equal masses of steam and water were assumed, but what's the likelihod that the same mass of steam and water would contact the victim?
 

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