Which term describes water in its gaseous state?

Which term describes water in its gaseous state?

• A. Steam
• B. Water vapour
• C. Gas
• D. Humidity

Answer: (B)

Gaseous water is called water vapour. This term specifically refers to water molecules dispersed in air when water has evaporated or boiled. Steam is a form of water vapour produced by boiling and often implies the presence of visible droplets or a higher temperature, which isn’t always how gaseous water is described in the atmosphere. Humidity describes how much water vapour is present in the air, not the state of the water itself. Gas is a general state that any substance can be in; when we talk about water in its gaseous state, the precise term is water vapour.

Gaseous water is called water vapour. This term specifically refers to water molecules dispersed in air when water has evaporated or boiled. Steam is a form of water vapour produced by boiling and often implies the presence of visible droplets or a higher temperature, which isn’t always how gaseous water is described in the atmosphere. Humidity describes how much water vapour is present in the air, not the state of the water itself. Gas is a general state that any substance can be in; when we talk about water in its gaseous state, the precise term is water vapour.