What is the term for the heat absorbed by boiler water when changing from liquid to steam?

The term for the heat absorbed by boiler water when changing from liquid to steam is latent heat. Latent heat refers specifically to the amount of energy absorbed or released by a substance during a phase change without a change in temperature. In this case, as water transitions from liquid to steam, it absorbs a significant amount of energy (latent heat of vaporization) to break the intermolecular forces that hold the liquid together, allowing it to become a gas.

Understanding latent heat is crucial in boiler operation because it represents the energy transfer that occurs during the steaming process. This concept helps in calculating the efficiency of steam generation and in ensuring that the boiler operates effectively, providing the necessary heat for various applications. The other terms listed describe different heat-related concepts; for instance, sensible heat refers to the heat absorbed or released by a substance during a temperature change that does not involve a phase change, and specific heat denotes the amount of heat required to change the temperature of a unit mass by one degree Celsius. Conductive heat is related to the transfer of heat through materials but is not specific to phase changes like boiling.