We explain what water vapor is, its uses and biological importance. Also, what is the boiling of water.
What is water vapor?
Water vapor is the State of aggregation of the water once it (through a phase change) passes from the liquid state to the gaseous state. For this to happen it must be exposed to a temperature close toBoiling point. The vapor is colorless and odorless, although it tends to appear white and cloudy when interspersed with small drops ofWater inliquid state.
In thenature, thesteam occurs when groundwater is heated through various volcanic processes, resulting in hot springs, geysers (a special type of hot spring), fumaroles (gases or vapors that escape through cracks), and some typesvolcanoes.
Steam can also be generated artificially, using technological systems such as boilers. fossil fuels and nuclear reactors. In this way, steam constitutes an important source of Energy for the industry.
Water vapor can be perceived, for example, on a busy day.humidity, in the fog present during dawn (it is concentrated steam) or when you are in a cold environment and exhale theair through the mouth (the air in the mouth contains moisture, water, which condenses when it comes into contact with cold air).
Water boiling
Boiling water is a processphysical in which the liquid changes to a gaseous state as a result of exposure toheat intense and the temperature of the whole liquid equals the boiling point (100º C).
Once the liquid has reached the boiling point, it continues to absorb heat to transform the liquid into vapor, but without increasing its temperature. It will transform into steam until all of the liquid mass is consumed.
The boiling temperature depends on the Pressure to which the substance is subjected. For example, in a pressure cooker the cooking offood it is produced faster (due to the high pressure reached by the gases inside) than if it is cooked in an uncovered pot.
Uses of water vapor
Water vapor is used in industries for various purposes:
- To sterilize items. Is a process that allows you to eliminate microorganisms of a substance, which die when exposed to high temperatures. For example, steam is used to sterilize water or certain elements such as gauze that are used to apply on wounds and that are sold in vacuum sealed packages so that they are not contaminated.
- For the operation of engines. A steam engine works with a combustion engine (with the burning of coal) that transforms the thermal energy of a given quantity of water, in mechanical energy (of movement). For example, the steam locomotive, industrial machinery, among others.
- To atomize (fragment something into very small parts). It is a process that allows a substance to be segmented into very small portions. This mechanism is also used in an artifact that allows a liquid to be spread by the explosion of very small drops, through a sprayer.
- To clean. Steam cleaning is a technique that, by means of devices that use the technology of pressurized steam, allow to increase its power. For example, for the removal of complex stains on carpets, furniture or clothing).
- To hydrate. The steam cooking method is highly recommended to obtain cooked and healthy food, since it allows to maintain thevitamins, nutrients and fluids of food.
- To humidify. Humidifying equipment helps to improve environmental conditions by increasing relative humidity. They transform the water stored in their tank into water vapor that is transferred to the atmosphere through a ventilation system. There are two types of humidifiers: those that evaporate water through ultrasound or those that do so through heat (preferable to use during winter because they also slightly increase the temperature in the room. environment).
Importance of water vapor
Water vapor is important for several reasons, but its presence in the atmosphere it is one of the most relevant. Vapor is present in the atmosphere in varying amounts and is a vital component of the hydrological cycle.
On average, the vapor concentration in the atmosphere is 3%. In arid or very cold regions (as in the poles) the concentration is lower.
Even on a clear day, there is the presence of water vapor only, being a gas without color nor smell, it is not perceived directly with the senses (unlike clouds that are formed by drops of liquid water and therefore can be seen).
Water vapor is the gas of greenhouse effect most abundant in the atmosphere and the most powerful of all gases due to its chemical structure. This means that the warmer the planet, more water vapor will exist in the air as the rate of evaporation of the oceans, lakes and other bodies of water in the world.
Reference:
- "Steam" in Britannica.
- "Principal applications for steam" in TLV.
- «Gases and vapors» in FRRO UTN.
- "Reasons to humidify air at home" Minilandbaby.
- "Water in the atmosphere" in Science Magazine.
- "Vapor pressure" (video) on KhanAcademy.