What is required to convert a liquid into a gas?

To convert a liquid into a gas, latent heat is the key factor involved in this phase change. Latent heat refers to the amount of energy absorbed or released by a substance during a change in its physical state, such as vaporization or condensation, without a change in temperature. When a liquid is heated, it requires additional energy, known as latent heat of vaporization, to overcome the intermolecular forces holding the molecules together in the liquid phase. This energy input allows the molecules to gain enough kinetic energy to escape into the gaseous state, resulting in the formation of vapor.

This phase change can occur at a specific temperature known as the boiling point, at which the vapor pressure of the liquid equals the external pressure. The addition of heat allows for this transition, making latent heat essential for converting liquids into gases. Other options, while relevant in certain contexts, do not specifically address this energy requirement directly tied to the phase change.