Steam
H(2)Ow?
It's familiar as a solid, liquid and gas. Whatever form it takes, it's always H2O.
How molecules interact
What happens when molecules get together? Find out how molecules interact.
We explain how water changes state into steam
When water converts into steam it does so at its boiling point. At sea level water boils at 100 degrees Celsius, but this can vary depending on altitude and air pressure. The high boiling point of water is also a result of hydrogen bonding - extra heat must be used to disrupt the bonds. Without these bonds water would boil at about -80 degrees Celsius. The attractive forces in steam are much weaker than those of liquid water. The molecules move more quickly than in liquid water, are widely separated and they can move around in any direction.
Content last updated: 15/02/2005
