What type of energy is released or absorbed during a phase change of water?

The correct answer is latent energy because it specifically refers to the energy absorbed or released during the phase changes of water, such as when it transitions from a solid (ice) to a liquid (water) or from a liquid to a gas (water vapor). This energy is not associated with temperature changes but rather with the breaking or forming of molecular bonds as the state of water changes. During these transitions, energy is either absorbed (during melting or evaporation) or released (during freezing or condensation) without a change in temperature, which is the hallmark of latent energy.

In contrast, kinetic energy relates to the motion of molecules and does not directly apply to phase changes, as the temperature remains constant during these processes. Chemical energy pertains to the potential energy stored in the chemical bonds of a substance and is not directly relevant to the phase changes of water. Captured energy is not a recognized term in thermodynamics and does not accurately describe the energy dynamics at play during phase transitions. Understanding latent energy is crucial for water damage restoration and drying processes, as it affects the rate and methods used for moisture removal.