As 32°F liquid water is heated, what types of heat changes are observed?

Study for the QMED Basic Refrigeration Test. Prepare with multiple choice questions, each offering hints and explanations. Enhance your skills and get ready for certification!

When 32°F liquid water is heated, both sensible and latent heat changes occur during the heating process. Initially, as the water temperature is raised from 32°F, it experiences a sensible heat change. This refers to the increase in temperature that can be detected with a thermometer, as the water absorbs heat without changing its physical state.

Once the temperature reaches 212°F, the water will start to undergo a phase change from liquid to vapor, which involves the absorption of latent heat. This type of heat change occurs because the energy is used to facilitate the transition between states rather than increasing the temperature.

After the phase change is complete and the water becomes steam, if it continues to be heated, it once again experiences a sensible heat change as the temperature of the steam rises.

Therefore, the sequence of events during the heating process includes an initial increase in temperature (sensible heat) followed by a phase change (latent heat) and concluded by further temperature increase (sensible heat again). This comprehensive series of heat changes justifies the inclusion of sensible, latent, and sensible heat changes, making the correct choice the complete answer.

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