At what temperature does water expand approximately 1700 times its original volume when converted to steam?

Water expands approximately 1700 times its original volume when it is converted to steam at 212°F, which is the boiling point of water at standard atmospheric pressure. This significant expansion occurs because, as water is heated to this temperature, the molecules gain energy and begin to move more rapidly. Once it reaches the boiling point, water transitions from a liquid to a gas, which requires a considerable amount of energy in the form of heat.

During this phase change, the structure of water changes dramatically; the tightly packed molecules in the liquid state spread out significantly in the gaseous state, resulting in the large increase in volume. This principle is essential in various applications, such as steam engines, where the expansion of steam is utilized to do work. Understanding this behavior is crucial for firefighters as they may encounter situations where steam and water vapor can create hazards during firefighting or rescue operations.

The other temperature options do not represent the boiling point of water, where this substantial expansion occurs, thus making them unsuitable for the question.