College Physics I – Introduction

study guides for every class

that actually explain what's on your next test

Latent Heat

from class:

College Physics I – Introduction

Definition

Latent heat is the energy released or absorbed by a substance during a phase change, such as the transition from solid to liquid or liquid to gas, without a change in temperature. It is the energy required to change the physical state of a substance while maintaining a constant temperature.

congrats on reading the definition of Latent Heat. now let's actually learn it.

ok, let's learn stuff

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Latent heat is the energy required to change the physical state of a substance without changing its temperature.
  2. The amount of latent heat absorbed or released during a phase change is dependent on the specific substance and the transition involved.
  3. Latent heat of fusion is the energy required to melt a solid into a liquid, while latent heat of vaporization is the energy required to boil a liquid into a gas.
  4. Latent heat plays a crucial role in the water cycle, as the evaporation of water from the Earth's surface requires the absorption of large amounts of latent heat.
  5. The concept of latent heat is important in understanding humidity, evaporation, and boiling, as well as the transfer of heat through convection.

Review Questions

  • Explain how latent heat is related to phase changes and the energy required to transition between states of matter.
    • Latent heat is the energy required to change the physical state of a substance, such as from solid to liquid or liquid to gas, without changing its temperature. During a phase change, the substance absorbs or releases a specific amount of energy, known as the latent heat, which is used to overcome the intermolecular forces that hold the substance in its current state. This energy is not used to increase the temperature of the substance, but rather to facilitate the transition between states of matter.
  • Describe the role of latent heat in the water cycle and its impact on humidity, evaporation, and boiling.
    • Latent heat plays a crucial role in the water cycle, as the evaporation of water from the Earth's surface requires the absorption of large amounts of latent heat. When water transitions from a liquid to a gas (water vapor) during evaporation, it absorbs a significant amount of energy in the form of latent heat of vaporization. This energy is then released when the water vapor condenses back into liquid water, contributing to the formation of clouds and precipitation. The concept of latent heat is also important in understanding humidity, as the amount of water vapor in the air affects the energy required for further evaporation, and in understanding the boiling process, as the latent heat of vaporization determines the temperature at which a liquid boils.
  • Analyze how the concept of latent heat is connected to the transfer of heat through convection.
    • Latent heat is closely related to the transfer of heat through convection, a mode of heat transfer that involves the movement of a fluid, such as air or water. During convection, the absorption or release of latent heat can significantly influence the temperature and density of the fluid, driving the convective currents. For example, the evaporation of water from the Earth's surface requires the absorption of latent heat, which cools the surrounding air and causes it to become less dense, leading to the formation of convective currents and the movement of air masses. Conversely, the release of latent heat during the condensation of water vapor in the atmosphere contributes to the formation of clouds and the transfer of heat through convection. Understanding the role of latent heat in convection is crucial for explaining phenomena such as weather patterns, climate, and the movement of heat in various systems.
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.
Glossary
Guides