What is the difference between steam and water vapor?
Question #131647. Asked by HRS51851.
Last updated Jun 27 2013.
Originally posted Jun 27 2013 12:33 PM.
looney_tunes
Answer has 4 votes
Currently Best Answer
looney_tunes Moderator 19 year member
3319 replies
Answer has 4 votes.
Currently voted the best answer.
Temperature - at temperatures lower than the boiling point of water it is called water vapor, when it is released from boiling water it is called steam.
"Water vapor or aqueous vapor is the gas phase of water. It is one state of water within the hydrosphere. Water vapor can be produced from the evaporation or boiling of liquid water or from the sublimation of ice. Unlike other forms of water, water vapor is invisible."
"Steam is the technical term for water vapor, the gaseous phase of water, which is formed when water boils. Water vapor cannot be seen, though in common language it is often used to refer to the visible mist of water droplets formed as this water vapor condenses in the presence of cooler air. Strictly speaking, in terms of the chemistry and physics, true steam is invisible."