The heat required to change a liquid into a vapor is called _____ heat.

The term for the heat required to change a liquid into a vapor is known as "latent heat." This concept is essential in thermodynamics and is particularly relevant in the study of phase changes. Latent heat is the energy absorbed or released by a substance during a phase transition, which occurs at a constant temperature and pressure without a change in temperature.

In the case of vaporization, when a liquid absorbs heat, it does not increase in temperature but rather uses that energy to overcome intermolecular forces, allowing the molecules to escape into the vapor phase. This process is crucial in various applications, particularly in air conditioning and refrigeration systems, where evaporators and condensers rely on the principles of latent heat to transfer thermal energy efficiently.

Understanding latent heat allows technicians and engineers to design more effective cooling systems and manage heating processes effectively, highlighting the importance of this concept in practical applications in the field.