The heating curve of water.?

Question

The heating curve of water shows it gaining kinetic energy and potential energy, but not at the same time. I also know that sublimation can occur where ice will gain potential energy without first gaining kinetic. Does this mean that ice and water are turning to steam at any time and that the curve is just a basic guideline? Does this cahnge any calculations in q=mc(delta)t?

Answer 1

Ice sublimes below 0C, and water evaporates below 100C. Steam is the wrong word to use - the correct phrase is water vapour.

It will only change mc delta T calculations if there is a significant temperature rise which will cause significant water loss. This is unlikely to happen, particularly if the temperature rise is kept to about 10C above room temperature.