What is the relationship between temperature and pressure in a steam system?

In a steam system, the relationship between temperature and pressure is governed by the properties of steam as described by the phase diagram and the ideal gas law, specifically for saturated steam conditions.

When temperature increases in a steam system, the kinetic energy of the water molecules increases, which results in more collisions among the molecules and refers to an increase in pressure. This means that as you heat water and produce steam, the pressure builds up within the system. In a closed system, where steam and water coexist, higher temperatures correspond to higher pressure, as dictated by the steam tables where specific temperatures correlate with precise saturation pressures.

This correlation is essential in steam systems, particularly when designing, operating, and maintaining equipment such as boilers and turbines, where understanding the operating conditions helps in ensuring safe and efficient functionality. Other options do not reflect the established relationship in thermodynamic principles.