Which type of heat requires more energy to change, latent or sensible heat?

Study for the RSI Phase 5 Test with our comprehensive quiz. Utilize flashcards, detailed multiple-choice questions, and gain insights with explanatory hints to get exam-ready!

Latent heat requires more energy to change compared to sensible heat because it involves phase changes of a substance without a change in temperature. When a material changes from solid to liquid (melting) or liquid to gas (evaporation), energy is added or removed, but the temperature remains constant during these transitions. This energy is used to break or form intermolecular bonds, making it a more significant energy requirement than what is needed for sensible heat.

Sensible heat, on the other hand, is associated with temperature changes in a substance without any phase change. The energy required for sensible heat is relatively less because it's only altering the temperature of the material rather than changing its state. Thus, when comparing the two, latent heat clearly requires a greater amount of energy to induce phase changes.

Convection heat and radiant heat are not directly related to the specific comparison of latent and sensible heat regarding the energy required for changes, thereby making them less relevant in the context of this question.

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