Latent Heat
Reference from the original Physics I textbook.
- Latent Heat
Specific latent heat L is the energy transferred per unit mass during a phase change at fixed temperature: Q = mL. In SI units, L is measured in J/kg.
- Related Glossary Terms
Heating Curve, Latent Heat Equation, Latent Heat of Fusion, Latent Heat of Vaporization, Phase Changes
- Index
Reviewed physics notes (1)
These corrections keep the original lesson’s purpose while fixing errors in the source edition.
- Latent heat symbol L in chapter formulas denotes specific latent heat, not total Q. — Reference 1
Glossary and deeper reading · 1 refreshers
These editorial refreshers supplement the reading. Definitions and examples are added guidance; original source wording and recorded answers remain in their original context.
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Latent heat
Specific latent heat is the energy transferred per unit mass during a specified phase change at the stated conditions. During an ideal equilibrium phase change at constant pressure, energy can change microscopic arrangement while temperature stays constant. For example, melting ice requires energy even while an ice–water mixture remains at its melting temperature.