How much does one pound of water expand when it turns into steam at standard temperature and pressure?

When water turns into steam at standard temperature and pressure, it undergoes a significant change in volume, which is closely related to the physical properties of water and steam. At 100 degrees Celsius and 1 atmosphere of pressure, one pound of water expands roughly 1,600 times its original volume when it transforms into steam.

This expansion occurs because the density of steam is much lower than that of liquid water. In the liquid state, water molecules are closely packed due to hydrogen bonding, whereas in the gaseous state, the molecules are far apart, resulting in a massive increase in volume.

This phenomenon is crucial in various applications, including steam engines and heating systems, where the power produced is due to the ability of steam to occupy a much larger volume compared to its liquid state. Understanding this significant expansion aids in the design and operation of systems that utilize steam.