What does the term "steam table" refer to?

The term "steam table" specifically refers to a set of data that illustrates the thermodynamic properties of steam, which include parameters such as pressure, temperature, enthalpy, and specific volume. These tables are critical for engineers and operators working with steam systems because they provide essential information needed to understand the behavior of steam under various conditions.

For example, steam tables allow users to look up the properties of steam at different pressures and temperatures, helping them make informed decisions about system design and operation, troubleshoot issues, and perform calculations related to energy transfer and efficiencies. This data is foundational for calculating things like the heat added, work done by the steam, and energy exchanges within steam power plants and heating systems.

In contrast, the other options reflect different concepts unrelated to the direct scientific and engineering utility of steam tables, which is solely focused on the thermodynamic properties of steam.