Steam is formed when water changes its state from a liquid to a gas (water vapor). This transformation occurs when water molecules gain enough energy to overcome the intermolecular forces holding them together in the liquid state.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
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Heating Water: The primary way to create steam is by heating water. As water is heated, its molecules gain kinetic energy, causing them to move faster and vibrate more vigorously.
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Breaking Hydrogen Bonds: Water molecules are held together by hydrogen bonds, which are relatively weak intermolecular forces. As the water's temperature rises, the increased energy of the molecules weakens and eventually breaks these bonds.
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Phase Transition: When enough energy is supplied (reaching the water's boiling point), the water molecules gain sufficient kinetic energy to completely overcome the hydrogen bonds. They then escape the liquid's surface and transition into the gaseous phase, becoming steam. The boiling point of water is 100°C (212°F) at standard atmospheric pressure.
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Evaporation: Steam can also form through evaporation, which occurs at temperatures below the boiling point. In this case, individual water molecules at the surface of the liquid gain enough energy from their surroundings to break free and become vapor. Evaporation is a slower process than boiling.
In summary, steam is produced when liquid water molecules acquire enough energy, typically through heating, to overcome intermolecular forces and transition into the gaseous state.
