What type of heat is released during the condensation process?

During the condensation process, latent heat is released. This is the energy that is released when a substance changes from a gas to a liquid state. In the context of condensation, when vapor transforms into liquid, the molecules lose energy and come closer together, forming liquid droplets. The heat released during this transition is known as latent heat of condensation.

Latent heat is crucial in various applications, such as in heat exchangers, refrigeration systems, and atmospheric processes, because it accounts for the energy changes that occur without temperature changes. This makes it distinct from sensible heat, which is the heat absorbed or released that results in a temperature change in a substance. Recognizing the role of latent heat in phase changes helps in understanding thermal systems and energy transfer processes.