1. In physics and thermodynamics, the energy absorbed or released during a phase change (such as melting, freezing, vaporization, or condensation) of a substance at constant temperature and pressure, without causing a change in the substance's temperature.
When water boils, the hidden heat converts the liquid into steam without raising the water's temperature above 100°C.
Quando a água ferve, o calor latente converte o líquido em vapor sem elevar a temperatura acima de 100°C.
2. Energy that is present but not immediately apparent or measurable through temperature change.
The hidden heat in the phase transition process is crucial for understanding meteorological phenomena.
O calor latente no processo de mudança de fase é crucial para entender fenômenos meteorológicos.
This is primarily a scientific and technical term used in physics and chemistry education in both Brazil and the USA. It has no colloquial usage and is standardized across English and Portuguese-speaking academic communities worldwide.