Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

What is superheated steam?

1. Water vapor at normal temperature

2. Steam heated above its normal temperature of 212°F due to higher pressure

3. Steam mixed with liquid water

4. Low-pressure steam used for sterilization

The correct answer is: Steam heated above its normal temperature of 212°F due to higher pressure

Superheated steam is defined as steam that has been heated beyond its saturation temperature, which is the temperature at which water transforms into steam at a given pressure. The saturation temperature at standard atmospheric pressure (1 atm) is 212°F (100°C). When steam is heated further, it retains its gaseous state and can reach much higher temperatures. In industrial applications, such as sterilization processes, superheated steam is highly valuable because it has the ability to transfer heat more efficiently and penetrate materials, ensuring effective sterilization. This heating occurs under conditions of increased pressure, which allows the steam to hold additional energy without condensing back into liquid water. Other options are not accurate representations of superheated steam. Water vapor at normal temperature, for instance, does not classify as superheated since it’s not heated beyond the saturation point. Similarly, steam mixed with liquid water refers to a saturated state rather than superheated. Low-pressure steam used for sterilization might also not possess the characteristics of superheated steam, which involves higher temperatures and pressures.