Final answer:
Both liquid water and steam at 100 degrees Celsius are at the same temperature. The similarity lies in the fact that both have the same amount of heat energy. The difference is in their state of matter: liquid water is in the liquid state, while steam is in the gaseous state.
Step-by-step explanation:
a) Similarity: Both particles in liquid water and the particles in steam at 100 degrees Celsius are in the same state of physical transformation because they are at the same temperature. This temperature is the boiling point of water, meaning that with enough heat, water turns into steam. Therefore, both types of particles are in motion and possess the same amount of heat energy.
b) Difference: Although they possess the same heat energy, the primary difference lies in their state of matter. Liquid water at 100 degrees Celsius is still in the liquid state, whereas steam at 100 degrees Celsius has transitioned into the gaseous state. This is because additional energy has been absorbed by the liquid water to overcome the intermolecular forces between the water molecules, leading to the phase transition from liquid to gas.
Learn more about States of Matter