Question

When we think of heat, we always think of the temperature changing. But is this always the case? This is just one 'type' of heat called 'sensible heat'. The heat could also be utilized in changing phase, from liquid to vapour. This is called latent heat.

Armed with all this info, can you crack this one; which of the following is eating up most your electricity bill while running the AC during a humid monsoon day in Hawaii?

• A. Sensible heat
• B. Latent heat
• C. both equally
• D. Depends on the brand of AC

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Latent heat

Humidity and temperature both have an optimum value for human comfort. During monsoon, the temperature is not very high generally but the humidity is, and to reduce humidity the water vapour has to be condensed to liquid water. This phase change requires the $latentheatofcondensation$.