superheated water
Beyond-boiling H2O
Superheated water is liquid water heated above its normal boiling point without actually boiling.
This unstable state occurs when water lacks nucleation sites—tiny imperfections where bubbles can form.
The danger is sudden, explosive boiling when disturbed: The cup of superheated water erupted when I dropped in a tea bag.
Microwaves commonly create this condition in smooth containers.
- steam engineThermal vapor motor
- pressureForce upon contact
- pressure cookerSealed pot using steam
- geyserErupting thermal vent
- Old FaithfulPunctual Wyoming geyser
hydrothermal · boiling · boiling point · liquid state · vapor · flash · turbine · power plant · volcano · volcanic activity · vent · scalding · explosive · geothermal · critical · subcritical · reactor · power
superheated waterice
Water's solid form
ice water · cold water · chilled water · supercooled water · glacial ice
super, heat, heated, water, superheat, superheater, superheating, overheat, overheated