Steam burn is more severe than that of boiling water because?

A. steam burn is independent of relative humidity
B. steam possesses greater heat energy per unit mass
C. water boils at a higher temperature
D. steam burn is dependent on relative humidity

Correct Answer:

Option B – steam possesses greater heat energy per unit mass

Explanation

The specific latent heat of vaporization of steam is 2.1 x 10⁶JKg^-1
while the energy required to raise the temperature of a unit mass of water from 0°c to 100°c = C x Dt = 4200 x 100 = 420000 = 4.2 x 10⁵ JKg^-1

∴ steam possesses greater heat energy per unit mass