What does sensible heat transfer involve?

• A. Transfer of heat without temperature change
• B. Transfer of heat with a measurable temperature change
• C. Change of state of the material
• D. Absorption of light energy

Answer: (B)

Sensible heat transfer is characterized by the transfer of heat that results in a measurable temperature change in a substance. This occurs when thermal energy is transferred to or from a system without altering its phase. For example, when a solid is heated, it absorbs energy, leading to an increase in temperature, which can be observed and measured. This is in contrast to latent heat transfer, which involves energy change during phase transitions without a change in temperature. Sensible heat is essential in various applications, including heating and cooling systems, where the temperature of the fluids or materials is crucial for efficient operation.