Specific Latent Heat — GCSE Physics Revision
Revise Specific Latent Heat for GCSE Physics. Step-by-step explanation, worked examples, common mistakes and exam-style practice aligned to AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, Eduqas, CCEA, Cambridge International (CIE), SQA, IB, AP.
At a glance
- What StudyVector is
- An exam-practice platform with board-aligned questions, explanations, and adaptive next steps.
- This topic
- Specific Latent Heat in GCSE Physics: explanation, examples, and practice links on this page.
- Who it’s for
- Students revising GCSE Physics for UK exams.
- Exam boards
- Practice is aligned to major specifications (AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, Eduqas, CCEA, Cambridge International (CIE), SQA, IB, AP).
- Free plan
- Sign up free to use tutor paths and feedback on your answers. Free access is 3 days uncapped, then 30 min practice/day. Pricing
- What makes it different
- Syllabus-shaped practice and progress tracking—not generic AI answers.
Topic has curated content entry with explanation, mistakes, and worked example. [auto-gate:promote; score=70.6]
Next in this topic area
Next step: Particle Motion & Pressure
Continue in the same course — structured practice and explanations on StudyVector.
Go to Particle Motion & PressureWhat is Specific Latent Heat?
Specific latent heat is the energy required to change the state of 1kg of a substance without any change in temperature. There are two types: specific latent heat of fusion (for melting/freezing) and specific latent heat of vaporization (for boiling/condensing).
Board notes: A Higher Tier topic for all major GCSE Physics boards (AQA, Edexcel, OCR).
Step-by-step explanationWorked example
The specific latent heat of fusion for water is 334,000 J/kg. How much energy is needed to melt 0.5kg of ice at 0°C? Solution: Energy = mass x specific latent heat of fusion. E = 0.5kg x 334,000 J/kg = 167,000J or 167kJ.
Practise this topic
Jump into adaptive, exam-style questions for Specific Latent Heat. Free to start; sign in to save progress.
Common mistakes
- 1Confusing specific latent heat with specific heat capacity. Specific heat capacity relates to a change in temperature, while specific latent heat relates to a change of state at a constant temperature.
- 2Forgetting that the temperature does not change during a change of state. The energy being supplied is used to break bonds, not to increase the kinetic energy of the particles.
- 3Using the wrong type of latent heat. You must use the latent heat of fusion for melting/freezing and the latent heat of vaporization for boiling/condensing.
Specific Latent Heat exam questions
Exam-style questions for Specific Latent Heat with mark-scheme style solutions and timing practice. Aligned to AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, Eduqas, CCEA, Cambridge International (CIE), SQA, IB, AP specifications.
Specific Latent Heat exam questionsGet help with Specific Latent Heat
Get a personalised explanation for Specific Latent Heat from the StudyVector tutor. Ask follow-up questions and work through problems with step-by-step support.
Open tutorFree full access to Specific Latent Heat
Sign up in 30 seconds to unlock step-by-step explanations, exam-style practice, instant feedback and on-demand coaching — completely free, no card required.
Try a practice question
Unlock Specific Latent Heat practice questions
Get instant feedback, step-by-step help and exam-style practice — free, no card needed.
Start Free — No Card NeededAlready have an account? Log in
Step-by-step method
Step-by-step explanation
4 steps · Worked method for Specific Latent Heat
Core concept
Specific latent heat is the energy required to change the state of 1kg of a substance without any change in temperature. There are two types: specific latent heat of fusion (for melting/freezing) and …
Frequently asked questions
What is the formula for specific latent heat?
The formula is: Thermal Energy for a Change in State (J) = Mass (kg) x Specific Latent Heat (J/kg).
Why does steam at 100°C cause a more severe burn than water at 100°C?
Steam at 100°C contains more energy than water at the same temperature. When steam hits the skin, it first condenses into water, releasing the large amount of energy known as the specific latent heat of vaporization, causing a severe burn.