2008-07-10

Specific Latent Heat of Vaporisation

The specific latent heat of vaporisation, L of a substance is the heat quantity required to convert one unit mass of a liquid into water vapour at its boiling limit without any change in temperature.

Its unit is JKg-1.

If m Kg of liquid or water vapour is involved, the quantity of heat, Q absorbed or released is
Q = ml

Q = quantity of heat that is absorbed or released.
m = mass of the substance
l = specific latent heat of vaporization

The list below show the specific latent heat of vaporization for a few substances

Methylated spirit - 1.12 X 10^3

Ether - 3.70 X 10^2

Mercury - 2.72 X 10^2

Water - 2.26 X 10^6

Thanks