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Thermodynamics FAQ

What is latent heat?

Heat absorbed or released during a phase change at constant temperature. Latent heat is the energy absorbed/released during a phase change (melting, boiling) without temperature change.

Short Answer

Heat absorbed or released during a phase change at constant temperature is the best answer.

Thermodynamics questions usually test sign conventions, state variables, or what is being held constant. Before calculating, decide whether the system is exchanging heat, doing work, or both.

Latent heat is the energy absorbed/released during a phase change (melting, boiling) without temperature change.

Why This Answer Is Correct

This is a Easy-level question in Thermodynamics. The prompt is really testing whether you can connect the concept to its defining physical relationship instead of picking a nearby-but-wrong term.

Write the system boundary first. Many thermodynamics mistakes disappear once you know what counts as heat, work, and internal-energy change.

Choices At A Glance

  • A. Heat at low temperatures
  • B. Heat absorbed or released during a phase change at constant temperature
  • C. Heat conducted through metals
  • D. Heat radiated by the Sun

When similar options appear on an exam, eliminate the ones that break the core law, use the wrong units, or confuse a definition with a consequence.

Topic Snapshot

Topic: Thermodynamics

Difficulty: Easy

Best next move: Re-state the governing law in your own words, then solve one more example from the same topic before moving on.