What is "sensible heat"?

Sensible heat refers specifically to the thermal energy that, when added to or removed from a substance, results in a temperature change within that substance without a change in phase. This concept is key in understanding how heating and cooling processes affect temperature.

When heat is applied to a substance, its temperature rises as the kinetic energy of the molecules increases. Conversely, when heat is removed, the temperature decreases. It is important to note that this process does not involve any change in the state of the substance—meaning no phase transitions like melting or boiling occur. This is what distinguishes sensible heat from latent heat, which is the energy involved in phase changes.

Understanding sensible heat is critical in the fields of thermodynamics and power engineering, as it relates directly to calculations involving energy transfer and temperature control in various systems. By grasping this concept, engineers can effectively manage and manipulate systems in cooling and heating applications.