Question

What is meant by latent heat? How will the state of matter transform if latent heat is given off?

Answer 1

1. The heat energy required to change substance from one state to another at constant temperature is called as latent heat of a substance.
2. When latent heat is given off from a substance, it causes the strengthening of the bonds between atoms or molecules causing a change of state of the substance.
3. When a liquid substance gives off latent heat of fusion, strengthening of bonds results into pulling of atoms or molecules of liquid closer and eventually it changes into solid-state.
4. Similarly, when a gaseous substance gives off latent heat of vaporisation, strengthening of bonds results into the pulling of atoms or molecules of gas closer and eventually it changes into a liquid state.