What does latent heat of evaporation refer to?

Latent heat of evaporation refers specifically to the amount of heat energy required to transform a substance from a liquid state to a gaseous state without changing its temperature. In the context of water, this process involves heating the water, which absorbs energy as it transitions from liquid to vapor. This is a critical concept within thermodynamics, particularly regarding phase changes.

When water evaporates, it requires energy to overcome the intermolecular forces that hold the liquid molecules together. This energy, known as the latent heat of evaporation, is what enables the molecules to break free from the liquid and enter the vapor phase.

This concept is important in various applications, including cooling systems, climate studies, and understanding weather patterns, as evaporation and condensation are key processes in the water cycle.