latent heat (C1)
noun phrase
Pronunciation: /ˈlætnt ˈhiːt/
Definition
The amount of heat required to change the state of a substance, such as from solid to liquid or from liquid to gas, without changing its temperature.
Examples
The latent heat of fusion is the energy needed to melt a solid at its melting point.
Latent heat of vaporization is crucial in understanding how sweat cools the human body.
How to Use latent heat
- latent heat of fusion (noun phrase)
- energy required to change a solid to a liquid at its melting point — "The latent heat of fusion for ice is 334 J/g."
- latent heat transfer (noun phrase)
- process of energy transfer due to phase changes — "Latent heat transfer plays a crucial role in the Earth's climate system."
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