What does latent energy cause?

Latent energy, also known as latent heat, refers to the energy absorbed or released by a substance during a phase change without a change in temperature. When a substance undergoes a phase change, such as from solid to liquid (melting) or from liquid to gas (evaporation), latent energy is involved in breaking or forming the molecular bonds that dictate the state of that substance.

For instance, when ice melts to become water, it absorbs latent energy, but the temperature of the ice does not change until all the ice has melted. Therefore, the correct answer highlights that latent energy directly leads to a change in phase, which is a fundamental concept in physical chemistry and plays a critical role in processes like drying and dehumidification in commercial water damage restoration. This understanding is vital for professionals in the field to effectively manage moisture and facilitate proper drying techniques.