In a self-contained kettle, what happens to steam when it encounters cooler surfaces?

When steam encounters cooler surfaces within a self-contained kettle, it cools down and condenses. This process occurs because the thermal energy of the steam, which is in a gaseous state, is lost when it comes into contact with surfaces that are at a lower temperature. As the steam cools, the molecules lose kinetic energy, resulting in a phase change from gas to liquid water.

This condensation is crucial for cooking processes that rely on steam, as it helps transfer heat efficiently to the food. The condensing steam releases latent heat, which contributes to maintaining the required cooking temperatures within the kettle. Understanding this behavior of steam is essential for effective operation and maintenance of steam cooking equipment.