What is the term for the process where water turns to steam at 212 degrees Fahrenheit, absorbing additional BTUs?

The correct term for the process where water turns to steam at 212 degrees Fahrenheit, absorbing additional British Thermal Units (BTUs), is vaporization. This process involves a phase change from liquid to gas, specifically occurring at the boiling point of water under standard atmospheric pressure. During vaporization, water molecules gain sufficient energy to overcome intermolecular forces, allowing them to escape into the air as steam.

This concept is crucial in firefighting, as understanding the behavior of water at high temperatures aids in effective fire suppression. Distinguishing between vaporization, which occurs at the boiling point, and other processes, like evaporation (which happens at any temperature and does not necessarily involve boiling), is essential for proper heat management in fire scenarios.