What is the heat added to a vapor by the work done on it during compression called?

The term used to describe the heat added to a vapor by the work done on it during compression is known as the "Heat of Compression." When a vapor is compressed, the work required for this process not only increases its pressure but also raises its temperature. This interaction between work and thermal energy effectively adds heat to the vapor. The heat of compression is particularly significant in refrigeration and air conditioning cycles, especially when analyzing how compressors function and the changes in enthalpy during various states of compression.

Understanding the heat of compression is crucial for calculating efficiencies and managing system performance. This concept helps in the design and operation of systems to ensure they can effectively handle the heat absorbed or released during the refrigeration cycle. In contrast, terms like latent heat typically refer to the heat absorbed or released during phase changes and do not directly relate to the work done on a vapor during compression. Similarly, evaporator superheat pertains to the additional heat absorbed by the refrigerant after it has fully evaporated, which is a different phase in the refrigeration cycle.