Water vapor vs boiling water burns
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Water vapor vs boiling water burns
I remember that Dr. Lavelle mentioned that water vapor burns are more painful, however, can someone explain as to why they are worse/ more painful?
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Re: Water vapor vs boiling water burns
This can be seen on the phase change chart during lecture. So boiling water heats up to a high temperature but it is still in liquid phase. The water vapor has to go through a phase change to turn into a gas gaining more energy/temperature into causing it to burn more than boiling water
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Re: Water vapor vs boiling water burns
When you are burned by water vapor, the vapor has to go through a phase transition to turn from vapor to liquid. The vapor releases energy as it cools down to the liquid state. When you are burned by boiling water, it does not change phases. Because the water vapor has has a phase transition, it will transfer more energy as heat to your skin before it cools down.
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Re: Water vapor vs boiling water burns
Thanks for clarifying this, guys. I was also confused about this during lecture.
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