What term is used to describe heat that can be measured by a thermometer?

Sensible heat is the term used to describe heat that can be measured by a thermometer. It refers to the heat exchanged by a substance that causes a change in temperature without changing its state. When sensible heat is added to a substance, its temperature increases, which can be directly reflected on a thermometer. This concept is crucial in the field of refrigeration because it helps in understanding how the temperature of the refrigerants and other substances behaves under varying conditions.

In contrast, latent heat pertains to the heat required to change the state of a substance, such as from solid to liquid or from liquid to gas, without a change in temperature. Specific heat is a measurement of the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of a unit mass of a substance by one degree Celsius. Thermal energy is a broader term that encompasses all forms of energy associated with the temperature of a substance, including both sensible and latent heat. Understanding these distinctions is important for operating and managing refrigeration systems effectively.