Re: Why does cold water sometimes make steam?

The water was "steaming" because it was "relatively" hot compared to its surroundings. When the water was warmer than the very cool air, there was enough of a temperature difference to produce "steam" [droplets of water that condense in the cooler air].

While we often think of steam from only hot water, it is actually the difference in temperature from water to air that helps water to evaporate. Although a bit technical, here is a good discussion:

http://amsglossary.allenpress.com/glossary/search?id=steam-fog1

Water can also boil and produce steam at cooler temperatures if the pressure is lowered in a vacuum. See this link:
http://www.physlink.com/education/askexperts/ae306.cfm

Ken

Moderator's Note
The following answers in our archives may also be helpful - you may want to read through them with your mom if they cover things you haven't yet had in school:

• What causes steam in the bathroom during a shower?
• Whay does a sauna or shower get steamy when the hot water is on?
• Disagreement regarding the definitions of fog and steam..
• Why does the overnight low temperature not go below the dew point?