Changing the state of refrigerant uses which type of heat?

The correct choice indicates that changing the state of a refrigerant involves latent heat. Latent heat refers to the heat energy that is absorbed or released by a substance during a phase change without a change in temperature. This is particularly relevant in processes like melting, freezing, condensation, and evaporation.

For refrigerants, these phase changes are crucial in the refrigeration cycle. For instance, when a refrigerant evaporates, it absorbs latent heat from its surroundings, thereby cooling that area. Conversely, when it condenses, it releases latent heat. This process plays an essential role in transferring heat and maintaining temperature in cooling systems.

The other options address different concepts of heat transfer. Sensible heat refers to the heat that causes a change in temperature without a phase change. Specific heat relates to the amount of heat required to change the temperature of a given mass of a substance. Thermal energy is a more general term that encompasses all forms of energy related to the temperature of a system. However, none of these terms directly relate to the concept of changing states, which is specifically captured by latent heat.