Saturated steam is defined as?

Saturated steam is defined as steam that exists at a specific temperature and pressure relationship known as the saturation point. This means that the steam is at the temperature corresponding to its pressure; at this state, any heat added to the steam would convert it to superheated steam rather than increasing its temperature if the pressure remains constant. This relationship is crucial in thermodynamics and various heating processes because it indicates that the steam has a maximum energy state for that particular pressure.

In contrast, steam that is considered "completely dry" or any steam, regardless of its temperature, does not accurately reflect the conditions under which saturated steam is defined. Additionally, steam produced from boiling water under vacuum does not necessarily maintain the saturation temperature-pressure relationship. Thus, the definition capturing the essence of saturated steam revolves around its equilibrium state at a specific temperature and pressure, making it essential to understand in various applications involving steam in heating and energy systems.