Compared to a burn due to air at 100°C, the burn due to steam at 100°C is

Correct answer: (b) More dangerous due to high latent heat of evaporation

Explanation

Steam at 100°C carries extra energy as the latent heat of vaporization (about 540 cal/g) compared with air at the same temperature.

When steam touches skin it condenses, releasing this latent heat into the skin in addition to its 100°C heat, causing far more severe burns.

Air only transfers heat by conduction with no phase change, so steam burns are more dangerous due to high latent heat.