What is a superheated vapor?

A superheated vapor is a state of a vapor that exists at a temperature above its saturation temperature for a given pressure. When a vapor is heated beyond its saturation point, it does not simply condense back into a liquid but instead remains in a gaseous state, hence the term "superheated." This property is important in various applications, particularly in thermodynamics and engineering, as superheated vapors can have different energy contents and behaviors compared to saturated vapors.

In contrast, a vapor at saturation temperature must maintain equilibrium with its liquid phase and is at the point where it starts to condense if cooled. A saturated liquid refers specifically to a liquid at the same temperature as its saturation point, while a liquid under high pressure does not specifically relate to the properties of vapors and can exist in various states outside of saturation considerations. Understanding superheated vapors is crucial for efficient system designs such as in power plants and heating systems, where the control of vapor conditions can significantly impact performance.