2007-07-29 03:11:12 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
It can be if it's released under pressure, as is often the case. The temperature of steam can be very much higher than 100 C if the water boiled to make it is under pressure (the boiling point of water increases with pressure). Also, since it's coming out as a jet, steam in contact with the skin is moving to quickly to have time to cool significantly before it's replaced with new hot steam. Thirdly, steam is not contained, so it can take longer to remove yourself from the jet.
2007-07-29 05:15:17 · answer #1 · answered by Dr. R 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. This is because steam is a gas and boiling water is a liquid. The particles in a gas are more volitile than those in a liquid, and hence the transfer of energy (in this case in the form of a burn) is more severe.
2007-07-29 03:16:49 · answer #2 · answered by Some dude 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is true because there is more energy in the steam -- the energy that is required to get the water over the hump and finally boil.
2007-07-29 03:19:31 · answer #3 · answered by Ico Jones 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
From personal experience--YES. THe most painful experience I have ever had in my life (including back labor!)...........was a steam burn on my hand.
2007-07-29 03:19:09 · answer #4 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you should try it...you'll soon find it's true
2007-08-01 05:54:52 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋