At 212°F, how much does a cubic foot of water expand when converted into steam?

When water is converted into steam at 212°F (100°C), it undergoes a significant increase in volume due to the change in state from liquid to gas. The correct choice indicates that water expands approximately 1,700 times its original volume when it turns into steam.

This large expansion occurs because the molecules in steam are much farther apart compared to those in liquid water. In the liquid state, water molecules are relatively close together due to hydrogen bonding. However, as water transforms into steam, the heat energy increases the kinetic energy of the molecules, allowing them to move more freely and occupy a larger volume.

Understanding the expansion ratio is vital in firefighting and other applications where steam is generated, as it relates to pressure and safety considerations. The dramatic difference in volume can lead to increased pressure in closed systems, which firefighters must manage to prevent explosive situations. This concept emphasizes the importance of knowledge about the properties of water and steam in practical situations, such as fire suppression and the operation of firefighting equipment.