Specific Latent Heat — GCSE Physics Revision
Revise Specific Latent Heat for GCSE Physics. Step-by-step explanation, worked examples, common mistakes and exam-style practice aligned to AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, Eduqas, CCEA, Cambridge International (CIE), SQA, IB, AP.
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Go to Particle Motion & PressureWhat is Specific Latent Heat?
Specific latent heat is the energy required to change the state of 1kg of a substance without any change in temperature. There are two types: specific latent heat of fusion (for melting/freezing) and specific latent heat of vaporization (for boiling/condensing).
Board notes: A Higher Tier topic for all major GCSE Physics boards (AQA, Edexcel, OCR).
Step-by-step explanationWorked example
The specific latent heat of fusion for water is 334,000 J/kg. How much energy is needed to melt 0.5kg of ice at 0°C? Solution: Energy = mass x specific latent heat of fusion. E = 0.5kg x 334,000 J/kg = 167,000J or 167kJ.
Mini lesson for Specific Latent Heat
1. Understand the core idea
Specific latent heat is the energy required to change the state of 1kg of a substance without any change in temperature. There are two types: specific latent heat of fusion (for melting/freezing) and specific latent heat of vaporization (for boiling/condensing).
Can you explain Specific Latent Heat without copying the notes?
2. Turn it into marks
The specific latent heat of fusion for water is 334,000 J/kg. How much energy is needed to melt 0.
Underline the method, evidence, or command-word move that would earn credit in GCSE Particle Model of Matter.
3. Fix the likely mark leak
Watch for this mistake: Confusing specific latent heat with specific heat capacity. Specific heat capacity relates to a change in temperature, while specific latent heat relates to a change of state at a constant temperature.
Write one correction rule before doing another practice question.
Practise this topic
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Specific Latent Heat practice questions
These are original StudyVector questions for revision practice. They are not official exam-board questions.
Question 1
In one GCSE sentence, explain what Specific Latent Heat is testing.
Answer: Specific latent heat is the energy required to change the state of 1kg of a substance without any change in temperature. There are two types: specific latent heat of fusion (for melting/freezing) and specific latent heat of vaporization (for boiling/condensing).
Mark focus: Precise definition and topic focus.
Question 2
A Specific Latent Heat question uses an unfamiliar context. What should the answer do before adding detail?
Answer: It should name the process, variable, equation, particle model, or evidence being tested, then explain the result using precise scientific vocabulary.
Mark focus: Method selection and command-word control.
Question 3
A student makes this mistake: "Confusing specific latent heat with specific heat capacity. Specific heat capacity relates to a change in temperature, while specific latent heat relates to a change of state at a constant temperature." What should their next repair task be?
Answer: Do one Specific Latent Heat question and review the mistake type.
Mark focus: Error correction and next-step practice.
Specific Latent Heat flashcards
Core idea
What is the main idea in Specific Latent Heat?
Specific latent heat is the energy required to change the state of 1kg of a substance without any change in temperature. There are two types: specific latent heat of fusion (for melting/freezing) and specific latent h...
Common mistake
What mistake should you avoid in Specific Latent Heat?
Confusing specific latent heat with specific heat capacity. Specific heat capacity relates to a change in temperature, while specific latent heat relates to a change of state at a constant temperature.
Practice
What is one useful practice task for Specific Latent Heat?
Answer one Specific Latent Heat question and review the mistake type.
Exam board
How should you use board notes for Specific Latent Heat?
A Higher Tier topic for all major GCSE Physics boards (AQA, Edexcel, OCR).
Common mistakes
- 1Confusing specific latent heat with specific heat capacity. Specific heat capacity relates to a change in temperature, while specific latent heat relates to a change of state at a constant temperature.
- 2Forgetting that the temperature does not change during a change of state. The energy being supplied is used to break bonds, not to increase the kinetic energy of the particles.
- 3Using the wrong type of latent heat. You must use the latent heat of fusion for melting/freezing and the latent heat of vaporization for boiling/condensing.
Specific Latent Heat exam questions
Exam-style questions for Specific Latent Heat with mark-scheme style solutions and timing practice. Aligned to AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, Eduqas, CCEA, Cambridge International (CIE), SQA, IB, AP specifications.
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Step-by-step method
Step-by-step explanation
4 steps · Worked method for Specific Latent Heat
Core concept
Specific latent heat is the energy required to change the state of 1kg of a substance without any change in temperature. There are two types: specific latent heat of fusion (for melting/freezing) and …
Frequently asked questions
What is the formula for specific latent heat?
The formula is: Thermal Energy for a Change in State (J) = Mass (kg) x Specific Latent Heat (J/kg).
Why does steam at 100°C cause a more severe burn than water at 100°C?
Steam at 100°C contains more energy than water at the same temperature. When steam hits the skin, it first condenses into water, releasing the large amount of energy known as the specific latent heat of vaporization, causing a severe burn.