What does the term “latent heat” refer to?

The term “latent heat” specifically refers to the heat absorbed or released during a phase change of a substance, such as when ice melts into water or when water vapor condenses into liquid water. During these processes, the temperature of the substance does not change; instead, the heat energy is used to alter the phase of the material. For example, when ice melts, it absorbs latent heat without an increase in temperature until the entire ice mass has transitioned to water.

Understanding this concept is crucial in various applications, including HVAC systems and meteorology, where phase changes play a significant role in energy transfer processes. Other options focus on different forms of heat but do not capture this specific relationship between heat and phase changes.