Latent Heat: The Hidden Energy of Phase Changes

  1. Latent heat is the hidden energy absorbed or released during a change of state.
  2. It doesn’t change temperature—it changes the phase, like ice melting to water.
  3. Melting ice absorbs latent heat, even though its temperature stays at 0°C.
  4. Steam condensing releases latent heat, warming the surroundings without changing temperature.
  5. This explains why sweating cools you—evaporation pulls latent heat from your skin.
  6. Latent heat fuels storms, as water vapor releases energy when it condenses into clouds.
  7. Freezing food works slowly because heat must be removed even at a steady temperature.
  8. Engineers harness latent heat in refrigeration and air conditioning systems.
  9. The large latent heat of water makes it a key player in Earth’s climate balance.
  10. Latent heat is the quiet engine behind weather, cooling, and everyday phase changes.