Steam facts for kids
Steam is what we call water when it turns into a gas. It's a type of water vapor. You might see what looks like steam as a cloudy, misty cloud. But that misty cloud is actually steam cooling down and turning back into tiny water droplets in the air. This means the "steam" you can see and touch isn't super hot. The real, very hot steam is actually invisible!
Contents
How Water Turns into Steam
Water changes into steam when it gets hot enough. This process is called boiling. For example, if you boil water in a kettle, you're making steam.
The Boiling Point of Water
At sea level, water usually boils at 100 degrees Celsius. This special temperature is called the boiling point. When water reaches this temperature, it starts to bubble and turn into steam very quickly.
- 100 degrees Celsius is the same as:
- 212 degrees Fahrenheit
- 373.15 Kelvin
What is a Boiler?
A boiler is a special container where water is heated to make steam. Boilers are used in many places, from power plants to old steam trains.
How Steam Powers Engines
One of the most important uses for steam is to power steam engines. A steam engine is a machine that uses the power of hot steam to do work.
How a Steam Engine Works
Imagine a big pot of boiling water. As the water boils, it creates a lot of steam. This steam takes up much more space than the water it came from. When the steam is trapped, it builds up pressure. This pressure can push things, like a piston inside an engine. When the piston moves, it can turn wheels or power other machines.
History of Steam Engines
Steam engines were very important during the Industrial Revolution. They helped power factories, trains, and ships, changing how people lived and worked. They made it possible to travel faster and produce goods more easily.
Images for kids
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Liquid phase eruption of Castle Geyser in Yellowstone Park
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A diagram showing how temperature and energy relate for steam
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A diagram showing the energy and heat content of steam
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A fireless steam locomotive. Notice it doesn't have a chimney!
See also
In Spanish: Vapor para niños
