Enthalpy (h) is preferred over internal energy (u) when discussing latent heat due to the significance of volume changes during phase transitions. These changes result in pressure-volume (pV) work, which is not accounted for by internal energy alone. The concept of enthalpy encompasses both internal energy and the work done by the system, making it more applicable for phase changes. This distinction is crucial for accurately understanding thermodynamic processes involving latent heat. Overall, enthalpy provides a more comprehensive framework for analyzing energy changes during phase transitions.