Which type of heat energy causes a change of state with no change in temperature?

The correct choice is latent heat. Latent heat refers to the energy absorbed or released by a substance during a phase change, such as melting, freezing, evaporation, or condensation, without a change in temperature. This phenomenon occurs because the energy is used to overcome the molecular forces holding the substance in its current state rather than increasing its temperature.

For example, when ice melts into water, the temperature of the substance remains at 0 degrees Celsius until all the ice has converted to liquid. Throughout this melting process, energy is absorbed, particularly as latent heat, to break the bonds between the ice molecules. Similarly, when water evaporates, it absorbs heat energy, allowing it to change from a liquid to a gas at a constant temperature.

Understanding latent heat is crucial in building maintenance, especially in contexts involving heating and cooling systems, insulation, and thermal management. It helps to comprehend how materials behave under temperature changes and is essential for efficient energy usage in maintenance practices.