Specific Latent Heat (OCR GCSE Physics A (Gateway Science Suite)): Revision Notes
📚 Revision Notes
3.2.4 Specific Latent Heat
Specific Latent Heat
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The amount of energy needed to change the state of 1 kg of a substance without a change in temperature.
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Key Points:
- The substance needs to be at the right temperature to change state first.
- Specific Latent Heat of Fusion: Energy to melt/freeze.
- Specific Latent Heat of Vaporisation: Energy to boil/condense.
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Formula: Energy for a change of state = mass × specific latent heat
Where:
- = energy for a change of state (Joules, J)
- = mass (kilogrammes, kg)
- = specific latent heat (Joules per kilogramme, J/kg)
Table of Variables
| Variable | Symbol | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Energy for Change of State | Joules (J) | |
| Mass | Kilogrammes (kg) | |
| Specific Latent Heat | Joules per kilogramme (J/kg) |