Latent Heat Calculator
Calculate energy absorbed or released during phase transitions like melting, freezing, and vaporization
Calculate Latent Heat
Mass of the substance undergoing phase transition
Select the substance and type of phase transition
Latent Heat Results
Formula used: Q = m × L
Where: Q = Latent Heat, m = Mass (0.000 kg), L = Specific Latent Heat (334.0 kJ/kg)
Substance: Water (Ice → Liquid)
Energy Analysis
Example Calculation
Melting Ice Example
Problem: How much energy is needed to melt 5 kg of ice?
Given: Mass = 5 kg, Specific latent heat of fusion for water = 334 kJ/kg
Solution: Q = m × L = 5 kg × 334 kJ/kg = 1,670 kJ
Boiling Water Example
Problem: Energy to convert 2 kg of water to steam
Given: Mass = 2 kg, L = 2264.7 kJ/kg
Solution: Q = 2 × 2264.7 = 4,529.4 kJ
Phase Transitions
Fusion (Melting)
Solid → Liquid
Energy absorbed to break bonds
Vaporization
Liquid → Gas
Energy to overcome intermolecular forces
Sublimation
Solid → Gas
Direct phase transition
Latent Heat Facts
Temperature remains constant during phase transitions
Vaporization requires more energy than fusion
Energy is released during condensation and freezing
Latent heat values are substance-specific
Understanding Latent Heat
What is Latent Heat?
Latent heat is the energy absorbed or released during a phase transition of a substance at constant temperature. Unlike sensible heat, which changes temperature, latent heat changes the phase state without affecting temperature.
Types of Latent Heat
- •Latent Heat of Fusion: Energy for solid ↔ liquid transitions
- •Latent Heat of Vaporization: Energy for liquid ↔ gas transitions
- •Latent Heat of Sublimation: Energy for solid ↔ gas transitions
Formula and Units
Q = m × L
- Q: Latent heat (energy) in kJ or J
- m: Mass of substance in kg
- L: Specific latent heat in kJ/kg
Note: Specific latent heat is a material property that depends on the substance and type of phase transition.
Real-World Applications
Refrigeration
Refrigerators use latent heat of vaporization when refrigerant evaporates to absorb heat from the interior.
Weather Systems
Water vapor condensation releases latent heat, powering storms and influencing weather patterns.
Industrial Processes
Metal casting uses latent heat of fusion to calculate energy needed for melting and solidification.