Difference between Gas and Steam
Gas and steam are a couple of concepts that refer to the third state of matter: gaseous. Many people tend to use these terms interchangeably, however they are two completely different concepts. It is important to know the differences between the two in order to make the correct use of them.
Gas |
Steam |
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|---|---|---|
| What is it? | It is the state of matter in which, due to the weak interaction of its molecules, no molecular bonds are formed. Its molecules are practically free, so they can be distributed throughout the place where they are, adapting to their shape and distributing themselves through the available space. | Steam is considered a gas since it has the same characteristics and properties as gas. The difference between the two lies in the fact that a gas is in this state under normal conditions, while the vapor is the gaseous form of any other substance whose original state can be liquid or solid. |
| Features |
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| examples | Elements such as oxygen, nitrogen, hydroxide, noble gases and compounds such as carbon dioxide and air. | The water vapor. Under normal conditions it is found as water (liquid), only when its temperature is raised to the boiling point does it turn into steam. |
