Learning objective

Distinguish specific latent heat of fusion from specific latent heat of vaporisation.

Read the explanation, check the common trap, then practise with flashcards and questions.

At a glance

5

Flashcards

7

Questions

Topic

Internal energy and energy transfers

Subtopic

Changes of state and specific latent heat

AQA GCSE PhysicsParticle model of matter

Study support

Understand this objective

Short explanation

Distinguish specific latent heat of fusion from specific latent heat of vaporisation. Unit lens: Check the units before giving the final statement so the physics quantity is not swapped. In Changes of state and specific latent heat, this means specific latent heat concerns energy transferred during a state change with no temperature rise. The answer should use the approved wording from Internal energy and energy transfers, include specific latent heat, latent heat of fusion, latent heat of vaporisation, and avoid drifting into another section of Particle model of matter. For revision, practise saying the exact objective aloud, then add the one calculation, particle movement, collision, graph, or practical detail that makes the statement true. A strong exam response for checkpoint 54 is specific to distinguish specific latent heat of fusion from specific latent heat of vaporisation and does not reuse a generic explanation from a neighbouring objective.

Key concepts

specific latent heat of fusionspecific latent heat of vaporisation

Why it matters

This objective helps connect Changes of state and specific latent heat to exam-style questions, flashcards, and revision notes for Internal energy and energy transfers.

Common mistakes

1 linked
  • Confusing fusion with vaporisation: Remind that fusion changes solid to liquid (or vice‑versa) and requires the latent heat of fusion, whereas vaporisation changes liquid to gas (or vice‑versa) and requires the latent heat of vaporisation, which is much larger. Use the distinct symbols L_f and L_v and emphasise the different energy magnitudes and the different particle arrangements involved.

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