Wh y does Steam Burn?

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Originally Posted by slowthestone

A better question is...being as water is comprised of two highly flammable substances...why doesn't it flame cause it to ignite?

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Oxygen is not flammable. And the answer to your question is that same as the answer to why NaCl is made of two poisonous elements, yet we put it on food.

I would also like to point out that steam burns are often made worse because they can pass through clothing with relative ease. More easily than boiling water can.

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Originally Posted by slowthestone

A better question is...being as water is comprised of two highly flammable substances...why doesn't it flame cause it to ignite?

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Hydrogen and oxygen, when combined in an appropriate mixture, will burn to form water. By itself neither pure hydrogen nor pure oxygen will burn (they need an oxidizer and a reductant respectively). Water is a stable chemical component that does not have the volatile characteristics of the elements that make up its composition (hydrogen and oxygen).

I had to look it up BTW

Good question STS..... that is what i ment by provoke Thought.

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Originally Posted by Bong30

Ok.... I like food for thought.

If water Boils at 1 atm..... 212 degrees.......

and steam is technically only like 212.5 degrees



Why Is a steam Burn worse than a hot water burn?


I know the answer.... I just wanted to provoke thought, and see where it goes.

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steam burns because it doesnt like people like mr.incredible

when a boiler explodes....the explosion is not the worst part...it is the hot steam, coming into contact with cool air, that kills most of the people

or something along those lines

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Originally Posted by flamingskullballs

when a boiler explodes....the explosion is not the worst part...it is the hot steam, coming into contact with cool air, that kills most of the people

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interesting


bong u must have been bored