Changing the state of refrigerant uses which type of heat?

The correct choice pertains to the concept of latent heat, which is the energy absorbed or released by a substance during a phase change without changing its temperature. When refrigerants change states, for instance, from liquid to gas or from gas to liquid, they undergo phase transitions where they either absorb or release heat energy. This process is crucial in refrigeration and air conditioning systems, as it enables the refrigerant to effectively transfer heat during vaporization or condensation.

Sensible heat, in contrast, refers to the heat that causes a change in temperature of a substance without changing its state. Specific heat is a property that indicates the amount of heat required to change the temperature of a unit mass of a material by one degree Celsius, and thermal energy is a broader term that encompasses all forms of heat energy. Thus, when considering the phase changes of refrigerants, latent heat is the most relevant concept, aligning perfectly with the question.