What defines a superheated vapor?

A superheated vapor is defined as a vapor that is at a temperature higher than its boiling point at a given pressure. In this state, the vapor has absorbed additional heat energy, which raises its temperature without causing it to condense into liquid. This characteristic distinguishes it from other states of vapor, such as wet vapor, which contains both liquid and vapor phases, and saturated vapor, which exists precisely at the boiling point.

Understanding this concept is crucial in various engineering applications, particularly in thermodynamics where superheated steam plays an important role in power Generation in steam turbines. The ability to utilize steam or vapor in a superheated state enables improved thermal efficiency and energy transfer capabilities in various systems.

This clarity on superheated vapor helps in differentiating it from states that do not fulfill the criteria of being above the boiling point or consist of both liquid and vapor phases, as seen in the other options provided.