Latent heat in water vapor below boiling

In summary, The latent heat in water vapor changes with temperature, approaching 0 at the critical temperature of about 374°C. This change is relatively small at temperatures well below the critical temperature. A PDF linked on the provided page displays the heat of vaporization at various temperatures between 0°C and the critical temperature.
  • #1
ceilidhdad
1
0
Hi -

I'm a physics newbie so this is an elementary question, but I can't find the answer with a google search.

Water evaporates at a wide range of temperatures, what is the latent heat in the water vapor (in calories or Joules), for example, at 30°C, 60°C? Assume standard atmospheric pressure. Does it change at different ambient temperatures?

Thanks!

Adam
 
Science news on Phys.org
  • #2
The heat of vaporization does change with temperature, approaching 0 at the critical temperature (which for water is about 374 C). The rate of change is relatively small when the temperature is well below the critical temperature, though.

This page has a link to a PDF with the heat of vaporization at various temperatures between 0 C and the critical temperature.
 

FAQ: Latent heat in water vapor below boiling

1. What is latent heat in water vapor below boiling?

Latent heat in water vapor below boiling refers to the amount of energy required to change the state of water from a gas (water vapor) to a liquid (water) at a temperature below its boiling point. This process is known as condensation.

2. How is latent heat related to the water cycle?

Latent heat plays a crucial role in the water cycle. When water evaporates from the surface of the earth, it absorbs energy and becomes water vapor. This energy is stored as latent heat in the water vapor. When the water vapor cools and condenses, this latent heat is released, providing the energy for the formation of clouds and precipitation.

3. What is the difference between latent heat and sensible heat?

The main difference between latent heat and sensible heat is that latent heat is the energy required to change the state of a substance, while sensible heat is the energy required to change the temperature of a substance. Latent heat is associated with phase changes, such as melting, evaporation, and condensation, while sensible heat is associated with changes in temperature.

4. How does humidity affect latent heat in water vapor below boiling?

Humidity is the amount of water vapor present in the air. As humidity increases, the amount of water vapor in the air also increases. This means that there is more potential for condensation to occur, which requires the release of latent heat. Therefore, higher humidity levels can lead to greater amounts of latent heat being released during condensation.

5. Can latent heat be harnessed for energy production?

Yes, latent heat can be harnessed for energy production through the use of technologies such as geothermal power plants and heat pumps. These systems utilize the latent heat stored in water vapor to produce electricity or heat buildings. However, this process is not yet widely used and requires specialized equipment and conditions to be effective.

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