What is latent heat?
PhysicsClass 10CBSEAnswered 28 May 2026
Answer
Latent heat is the energy absorbed or released during a change of state at constant temperature it goes into breaking/forming intermolecular bonds, not increasing temperature.
| Type | Change | For Water |
|---|---|---|
| Latent heat of fusion (Lf) | Solid ↔ Liquid | 334 kJ/kg |
| Latent heat of vaporisation (Lv) | Liquid ↔ Gas | 2260 kJ/kg |
Formula: Q = mL
Lv > Lf — far more energy needed to vaporise than to melt.
Latent heat is the energy absorbed/released during a phase change at constant temperature, going entirely into breaking or forming intermolecular bonds.
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