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Specific Latent Heat

Particle Model

Specific Latent Heat

To explain why temperature stays constant during a change of state and calculate energy using specific latent heat.

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What you will learn

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What specific latent heat means

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Why a substance can change state without heating up

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How melting and boiling involve energy transfers

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How to calculate energy during a change of state

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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.

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