What does the term "latent heat" refer to in refrigeration?

The term "latent heat" specifically refers to the heat that is absorbed or released when a substance undergoes a phase change, such as from liquid to vapor (evaporation) or from vapor to liquid (condensation), without a change in temperature. This aspect is crucial in refrigeration systems, as the refrigeration cycle relies on the absorption and removal of latent heat to effectively transfer thermal energy.

In the context of refrigeration, when a refrigerant evaporates, it absorbs latent heat from the surrounding environment, thereby cooling that area. Conversely, when the refrigerant condenses, it releases this absorbed heat. This property is vital for the operation of refrigeration and air conditioning systems, allowing them to provide effective cooling by managing the heat absorbed or released during these phase transitions.

The other options describe different types of heat interactions but do not specifically address the phase changes associated with latent heat, reflecting why they do not represent the correct concept in this context.