USCG Exam PracticeBoiler and steam propulsion fundamentals
What thermodynamic term describes the heat added to water that changes its phase from liquid to steam at constant temperature?
- A. Sensible heat
- B. Subcooling
- C. Superheat
- ✓ Latent heat of vaporizationCorrect
Why D is correct
Latent heat changes a substance's phase at constant temperature without changing its temperature. At atmospheric pressure, approximately 970 Btu per pound of latent heat of vaporization is required to convert boiling water entirely to steam. Sensible heat, by contrast, changes temperature without changing phase.
Cited:DOE-HDBK-1012 §1-2