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Latent Heat

Latent heat is the energy that is transferred to a substance without the substance's temperature changing. This happens when a substance is changing state.

Where does latent heat go?

Where does latent heat go?

  • When a substance changes state, this energy is absorbed (used) to create or weaken bonds, rather than transfer kinetic energy to a substance’s particles.
Why isn't latent heat measured?

Why isn't latent heat measured?

  • If we measure energy using the change in temperature, this energy transfer will not be measured.
  • The energy is transferred without the temperature changing.
Specific latent heat

Specific latent heat

  • Specific latent heat is the latent heat per 1kg of mass.
  • It is a way to standardise across objects that have different masses.
Latent heat's other names

Latent heat's other names

  • When a solid becomes a liquid or a liquid becomes a solid, this hidden energy is called the latent heat of fusion.
  • When a gas becomes a liquid, or a liquid becomes a gas, this hidden energy is called the latent heat of vaporisation.
Change in state

Change in state

  • The equation for calculating the energy change experienced by a substance when it changes state is:
    • E=mlE = ml
    • Energy = mass × specific latent heat
Jump to other topics
1

Energy

2

Electricity

3

Particle Model of Matter

4

Atoms & Radiation

5

Forces

5.1

Basics of Motion

5.2

Forces

5.3

Effects of Forces

5.4

Pressure

6

Waves

6.1

Wave Basics

6.2

Waves at a Boundary

6.3

Sound Waves

6.4

Electromagnetic Waves

6.5

Lenses

6.6

Heat & Radiation

7

Magnetism

8

Astrophysics

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