Enthelpy of Vaporization vs. Latent heat of vaporization

In summary, the conversation discusses the confusion between two terms - enthalpy of vaporization and latent heat of vaporization. It is clarified that these terms are synonymous and refer to the heat absorbed during a phase change from liquid to gas. The term "fusion" is reserved for the melting of a substance from solid to liquid. "Latent" is the key word in this context, indicating the release of previously absorbed heat during a phase change in reverse. The definition of latent heat of vaporization is also mentioned.
  • #1
member 392791
I am having confusion with the difference between these two, or are they synonymous terms?
 
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  • #2
Woopydalan said:
I am having confusion with the difference between these two, or are they synonymous terms?
They are synonymous terns.
 
  • #3
Enthalpy of vaporization is the heat , calories/gram, absorbed during phase change from liquid to gas.
For example the heat water at 100 C absorbs going to steam at 100 C
Latent heat of vaporization , usually called latent heat of fusion, is that quantity
of heat released during condensation. The phase change back to a liquid at 100 C from gas at 100 C.
 
  • #4
morrobay said:
Enthalpy of vaporization is the heat , calories/gram, absorbed during phase change from liquid to gas.
For example the heat water at 100 C absorbs going to steam at 100 C
Latent heat of vaporization , usually called latent heat of fusion, is that quantity
of heat released during condensation. The phase change back to a liquid at 100 C from gas at 100 C.

The term "fusion" is reserved for the melting of a substance from solid to liquid. That's the definition of the word fusion.
 
  • #5
Chestermiller said:
The term "fusion" is reserved for the melting of a substance from solid to liquid. That's the definition of the word fusion.

I should have said latent heat of condensation then. The key word here is latent, and from my 1A and 1B chemistry classes
it applies when heat previously absorbed during phase change : solid to liquid and
liquid to gas is released in the reverse.
 
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  • #6
morrobay said:
I should have said latent heat of condensation then. The key word here is latent, and from my 1A and 1B chemistry classes
it applies when heat previously absorbed during phase change : solid to liquid and
liquid to gas is released in the reverse.

Except for the words "usually called latent heat of fusion", I like the wording in your previous posting much better, particularly your definition of latent heat of vaporization. Of course, quantitatively, the latent heat of vaporization is exactly equal in magnitude to the enthalpy (change) of vaporization.

Chet
 

FAQ: Enthelpy of Vaporization vs. Latent heat of vaporization

Enthalpy of Vaporization vs. Latent Heat of Vaporization

Understanding the concepts of enthalpy of vaporization and latent heat of vaporization is crucial in thermodynamics and phase transitions. Let's address some common questions about these related but distinct terms:

Q1: What Is the Enthalpy of Vaporization?

The enthalpy of vaporization, often denoted as \(\Delta H_{\text{vap}}\) or \(H_{\text{vap}}\), is the amount of heat energy required to convert a given quantity of a substance from a liquid state to a gaseous state at a constant temperature and pressure. It is expressed in joules per mole or calories per gram.

Q2: What Is the Latent Heat of Vaporization?

The latent heat of vaporization is synonymous with the enthalpy of vaporization and represents the same concept. It is the heat energy required to change the phase of a substance from a liquid to a gas without a change in temperature at a constant pressure.

Q3: Why Are There Two Terms for the Same Concept?

The existence of two terms, "enthalpy of vaporization" and "latent heat of vaporization," is primarily due to historical and terminological differences. Enthalpy is a thermodynamic property that includes both internal energy and pressure-volume work, while latent heat focuses solely on the energy associated with phase changes. In practice, the terms are interchangeable.

Q4: How Is the Enthalpy of Vaporization Measured?

The enthalpy of vaporization is typically measured experimentally using calorimetry. A sample of the substance is heated at a constant pressure until it changes from a liquid to a gas. The heat energy absorbed during this phase transition is measured and divided by the number of moles to determine the enthalpy of vaporization.

Q5: What Is the Significance of Enthalpy of Vaporization?

The enthalpy of vaporization is a crucial thermodynamic property used in various scientific and engineering applications. It plays a significant role in processes such as distillation, evaporation, and refrigeration. It also helps understand the energy required for the phase transition of a substance.

Q6: Can the Enthalpy of Vaporization Vary for Different Substances?

Yes, the enthalpy of vaporization varies from one substance to another. Different substances require different amounts of energy to change from a liquid to a gas at the same temperature and pressure. This property is specific to each substance and is often listed in reference tables.

Q7: What Are Some Examples of Enthalpy of Vaporization Values?

Here are some approximate values for the enthalpy of vaporization for a few common substances:

  • Water: Approximately 40.7 kJ/mol
  • Ethanol: Approximately 38.6 kJ/mol
  • Nitrogen: Approximately 5.6 kJ/mol
These values can vary slightly with temperature and pressure.

In summary, the terms "enthalpy of vaporization" and "latent heat of vaporization" represent the same thermodynamic concept—the heat energy required for the phase change from liquid to gas. These terms are interchangeable, and the property is essential in understanding phase transitions and energy transfer during vaporization processes.

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