Nate Core Practice Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The term "latent heat" specifically refers to the heat absorbed or released during a phase change of a substance. This process occurs without a change in temperature, as the energy is used to alter the molecular structure rather than increase kinetic energy. For instance, when ice melts to become water, it absorbs a significant amount of heat (latent heat of fusion) without raising its temperature until the entire substance has converted to the liquid state. Similarly, during the process of boiling, heat is absorbed to convert water to steam (latent heat of vaporization) without a temperature increase until the transition is complete.

In contrast, other options focus on different phenomena, such as gas compression affecting temperature or heat loss through insulation, which do not pertain to the concept of latent heat during phase transitions. Understanding latent heat is crucial in fields such as meteorology, refrigeration, and HVAC systems, as it plays a significant role in energy transfer and climate behavior.