Water Vapor (Meaning and Explanation)

We explain what water vapor is, its uses and biological importance. Also, what is boiling water.

What is water vapor?

The water vapor is the state of aggregation of 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 to the boiling point. The steam It is colorless and odorless although it usually acquires a white and cloudy appearance when it is interspersed with small drops of water in a liquid state.

In nature, steam is produced by heating groundwater through various volcanic processes, resulting in hot springs, geysers (a special type of hot spring), fumaroles (gases or vapors that escape through through cracks) and some types of volcanoes.

Steam can also be generated artificially, through technological systems such as fossil fuel boilers and nuclear reactors. In this way, steam constitutes an important source of energy for industry.

Water vapor can be perceived, for example, on a very humid day, in the fog present at dawn (it is concentrated vapor) or when you are in a cold environment and exhale the air through your mouth (water vapor). The mouth contains moisture, water, which condenses upon contact with cold air).

Boiling water

The boiling of water is a physical process in which The liquid changes to a gaseous state as a result of exposure to heat intense and the temperature of the entire liquid equals the boiling point (100º C).

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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 vapor 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 of food occurs faster (due to the high pressure reached by the gases inside) than if it is cooked in an uncovered pot.

Uses of water vapor

steam sterilization — Water vapor, which eliminates microorganisms, is used to sterilize medical items.

Water vapor is used in industries for various purposes:

To sterilize items It is a process that eliminates microorganisms from a substance, which die when exposed to high temperatures. For example, steam is used to sterilize water or certain items such as gauze that are used to apply to wounds and are sold in vacuum-sealed packages so that they do not become contaminated.
For the operation of engines A steam engine works with a combustion engine (burning coal) that transforms the thermal energy of a given amount of water into mechanical energy (motion). 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 a device that allows a liquid to spread by exploding very small droplets through a sprayer.
To clean Steam cleaning is a technique that, through devices that use pressurized steam technology, allows you to increase its power. For example, for removing complex stains on carpets, furniture or clothing).
To hydrate The steam cooking method is highly recommended to obtain cooked and healthy foods, as it allows the vitamins, nutrients and liquids of the food to be maintained.
To humidify Humidifying equipment helps 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 for use during winter because they also slightly increase the temperature in the environment).

Importance of water vapor

Water vapor is important for several reasons, but its presence in the atmosphere is one of the most relevant. Vapor is present in the atmosphere in variable quantities and It is a vital component of the hydrological cycle.

On average, the concentration of vapor in the atmosphere is 3%. In arid or very cold regions (such as at the poles) the concentration is lower.

Even on a clear day, there is the presence of water vapor, but since it is a colorless and odorless gas, it is not perceived directly with the senses (unlike clouds, which are formed by drops of liquid water and therefore can be seen).

water vapor It is the most abundant greenhouse gas in the atmosphere and the most powerful of all gases due to its chemical structure. This means that the warmer the planet, the more water vapor there will be in the air as the rate of evaporation from the world's oceans, lakes and other bodies of water increases.

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