What distinguishes saturated steam from superheated steam?

Saturated steam is defined as steam that is in equilibrium with its liquid phase, meaning that it exists at a specific pressure and temperature where the steam and water can coexist. This equilibrium condition signifies that any heat added to the system will convert more water into steam without increasing the temperature, as it is at its boiling point for that pressure.

In contrast, superheated steam is steam that has been heated beyond its saturation temperature at the given pressure. This means that it does not coexist with liquid water and can exist at a higher temperature without increasing the pressure. Superheated steam is often used in applications requiring higher energy content, as it contains more thermal energy than saturated steam at the same pressure.

Understanding this fundamental difference is crucial for applications involving steam in power plants and industrial systems, as it influences the efficiency and thermal dynamics of various processes.