Arkansas Boiler Operator Practice Exam

How is water converted to steam in a boiler?

1. By pumping water at high pressure

2. By the application of heat

3. By adding chemicals

4. By lowering the pressure

The correct answer is: By the application of heat

Water is converted to steam in a boiler primarily through the application of heat. In a boiler system, heat is applied to the water, which raises its temperature to the boiling point. As the temperature reaches this point, the water begins to change its state from liquid to vapor, resulting in the formation of steam. This process is driven by the principle of heat transfer, where energy is transferred from the heat source (such as burning fuel or electric heating elements) to the water, effectively increasing the energy level of the water molecules. While pumping water at high pressure and adding chemicals can impact various aspects of boiler operation, they do not directly convert water to steam. Similarly, lowering the pressure can affect the boiling point of water but is not the primary method for generating steam in a boiler. Thus, the key factor in steam generation is the application of heat, making it the correct answer in this context.