Q. What becomes of the steam? for it soon vanishes.
A. After it is condensed into mist, it is dissolved by the air, and dispersed abroad as invisible vapour.
Q. And what becomes of the invisible vapour?
A. Being lighter than air, it ascends to the upper regions, where (being again condensed) it contributes to form clouds.
Q. Why does a metal spoon, left in a saucepan, retard the process of boiling?
A. The metal spoon (being an excellent conductor) carries off the heat from the water; and (as heat is carried off by the spoon) the water takes a longer time to boil.
Q. Why will a pot (filled with water) never boil, when immersed in another vessel full of water also?
A. Because water can never be heated above the boiling point: all the heat absorbed by the water after it boils, is employed in converting the water into steam.
Q. How does the conversion of water into steam prevent the inner pot from boiling?