The process where water turns into steam is called vaporization or boiling. This transformation occurs when water is heated to its boiling point, which is typically 100 degrees Celsius (212 degrees Fahrenheit) at sea level. As heat energy is applied, water molecules gain kinetic energy, allowing them to overcome intermolecular forces and transition from a liquid state to a gaseous state. Vaporization can occur in two ways: evaporation, which happens slowly at any temperature, and boiling, which occurs rapidly at a specific temperature. This process is essential in various natural and industrial applications, including cooking and power generation.