What is 'superheating' in relation to steam boilers?

Superheating refers to the process of heating steam beyond its boiling point. When steam is generated in a boiler, it typically exists at a certain temperature and pressure, corresponding to its boiling point. By continuing to heat the steam after it has converted from water to steam, the temperature increases without a corresponding increase in pressure, which enhances the steam's thermal energy.

This superheated steam is advantageous because it can improve the efficiency of energy delivery in steam engines or turbines. Superheated steam carries more energy than saturated steam, allowing it to do more work when it expands in a turbine, thus providing a greater output for energy production. It is crucial in applications where high efficiency and energy output are required, such as in power generation.

The other choices describe processes or concepts that do not pertain to superheating specifically. Heating water to a higher pressure is related to generating steam but does not involve the additional heating of steam. Cooling steam would decrease its energy and efficiency, which contradicts the principle of superheating. Using superheated oil for heating is a different method entirely and is not connected to steam or the concept of superheating in steam boilers.