Particle Model
Specific Latent Heat
To explain why temperature stays constant during a change of state and calculate energy using specific latent heat.

What you will learn

What specific latent heat means

Why a substance can change state without heating up

How melting and boiling involve energy transfers

How to calculate energy during a change of state

How to distinguish latent heat from specific heat capacity
Explanation
Specific latent heat is the energy needed to change the state of 1 kg without changing temperature. Use E = mL, with mass in kilograms and latent heat in joules per kilogram. During a state change the energy changes particle potential energy rather than average kinetic energy; fusion concerns melting and vaporisation concerns boiling. Rearrange the relationship before substituting if a different quantity is required. Use clear labels. Justify your answer. Relate the result to the physical model.
