How much does water expand when turned into steam?

When water is converted into steam, it undergoes a significant increase in volume due to the physical change from a liquid to a gaseous state. The accurate figure for how much water expands upon boiling and turning into steam is approximately 1,600 to 1,700 times its original volume. This dramatic expansion is crucial for understanding steam dynamics, especially in firefighting operations where steam is often used for extinguishing fires or creating a protective barrier against heat.

The large volume expansion means that even a relatively small amount of water can produce a significant amount of steam, which can displace heat and reduce the temperature of an environment effectively. This principle is essential for firefighters to understand to utilize steam effectively in controlling fires and managing hot environments.