Which term best describes heat transfer that affects temperature without changing physical state?

The term that best describes heat transfer affecting temperature without changing physical state is sensible heat. Sensible heat refers to the heat that causes a change in temperature of a substance without a phase change, meaning the substance remains in the same state (solid, liquid, or gas) while its temperature increases or decreases.

Sensible heat can be observed when you heat water in a pot; as you apply heat, the temperature of the water rises until it reaches its boiling point. Throughout this process, the water remains in the liquid state until it turns to vapor, which involves latent heat — the energy required for the phase transition, not just temperature increase.

Other terms such as latent heat refer specifically to heat absorbed or released during a phase change, which does not affect temperature. Specific heat is a property of a material that quantifies how much heat is required to change the temperature of a unit mass of the substance by one degree. Thermal mass is a concept relating to the ability of a material to absorb and store heat, which can also involve heat transfers affecting temperature but does not specifically define the concept of a change in temperature without phase change.

Understanding sensible heat is crucial in fields like refrigeration and HVAC, where controlling temperature without changing the state of a refrigerant is essential