What does latent heat cause to happen in a substance?

Latent heat is the amount of energy absorbed or released by a substance during a phase change at a constant temperature and pressure. When a substance undergoes a change in state, such as melting, freezing, vaporization, or condensation, latent heat is involved. For example, when ice melts into water, it absorbs latent heat without a rise in temperature, while the energy is used to break the bonds between the ice molecules. This principle is fundamental in refrigeration processes, where latent heat plays a crucial role in the efficiency of heat transfer and the performance of refrigerants during phase changes. Understanding latent heat is essential for refrigeration operators, as it directly affects the cooling capacity and operational efficiencies of refrigeration systems.