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
Verified Correct Answer: B.
Physical Principles & Numerical Solution
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^\circc to 100^\circc = C x Dt = 4200 x 100 = 420000 = 4.2 x 105 JKg-1
∴ steam possesses greater heat energy per unit mass
Source: Myschool Past Questions Archive (Record #14427)