Which of the following best describes latent energy?

Latent energy refers to the energy absorbed or released by a substance during a phase change without a change in temperature. This energy is critical during processes such as melting, freezing, vaporization, and condensation. In essence, during these phase changes, the energy contributes to the transformation of the substance from one state to another, such as from liquid to gas, while keeping the temperature constant until the transition is complete.

For instance, when ice melts into water, latent energy is absorbed, which is necessary for the ice to transition to a liquid state without any increase in temperature while the phase change occurs. Similarly, during condensation, energy is released as vapor turns into a liquid.

Other options describe different forms of energy transfer. For example, energy used to increase temperature covers thermal energy, but it does not encompass phase changes. Energy released during solid to liquid transition only addresses a specific process rather than the broader definition of latent energy. Energy related to mechanical work pertains to the energy involved in moving or applying force and does not apply to the thermal context of phase changes. Therefore, the best answer that encompasses the concept of latent energy in relation to temperature change during phase changes is the one that describes it as the energy facilitating these changes without altering temperature.