How is sensible heat defined?

Sensible heat is defined as the heat that causes a change in temperature of a substance without any change in its state. This means that when heat is added or removed from a substance, the temperature increases or decreases accordingly while the substance remains in the same physical state (solid, liquid, or gas). For example, if you heat water from 20°C to 60°C, the water's temperature rises, but it still remains in the liquid state throughout this process.

The concept is fundamental in thermodynamics, particularly when dealing with heat transfer in systems where the phase of the material does not change. It highlights the relationship between heat energy and temperature, illustrating that temperature can change independently of any phase transitions. Understanding sensible heat is essential for engineers and technicians working with heating and cooling systems, as it informs how to effectively manage temperature control.

In contrast, the other options refer to different thermal processes involving state changes or constants that do not accurately represent the definition of sensible heat.