What does the latent heat of vaporization represent?

The latent heat of vaporization refers to the amount of heat absorbed when a liquid changes to a gas at a constant temperature. This process occurs without a change in temperature, meaning that the energy added to the liquid goes into breaking the intermolecular bonds that hold the molecules together in the liquid state, allowing them to escape into the gaseous state. This concept is crucial in understanding phase changes in substances, particularly in the context of firefighting and thermal dynamics, as it impacts both firefighting techniques and the behavior of fire and heat in the environment.

For instance, in firefighting, understanding the latent heat of vaporization helps in managing water usage and predicting how steam and gases behave in fire conditions.