Enthelpy of Vaporization vs. Latent heat of vaporization

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the concepts of enthalpy of vaporization and latent heat of vaporization, exploring whether these terms are synonymous or distinct. Participants examine definitions and implications related to phase changes, specifically from liquid to gas and vice versa.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express confusion regarding the difference between enthalpy of vaporization and latent heat of vaporization, questioning if they are synonymous terms.
  • One participant defines enthalpy of vaporization as the heat absorbed during the phase change from liquid to gas, using water at 100°C as an example.
  • Another participant states that latent heat of vaporization refers to the heat released during condensation, suggesting that it is often incorrectly referred to as latent heat of fusion.
  • A participant clarifies that "fusion" specifically refers to the melting of a solid to a liquid, indicating a potential misunderstanding in terminology.
  • One participant acknowledges that the term "latent heat of condensation" is more appropriate and emphasizes that latent heat refers to heat released during the reverse phase changes.
  • Another participant notes that the latent heat of vaporization is quantitatively equal to the enthalpy of vaporization, highlighting a relationship between the two concepts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether the terms are synonymous, as there are differing interpretations and clarifications regarding their definitions and applications.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the definitions provided, particularly regarding the use of the term "fusion" and the distinction between latent heat of vaporization and latent heat of condensation. The discussion reflects varying levels of understanding and terminology usage among participants.

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I am having confusion with the difference between these two, or are they synonymous terms?
 
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Woopydalan said:
I am having confusion with the difference between these two, or are they synonymous terms?
They are synonymous terns.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
Last edited:
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
 

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