32 LATENT HEAT. 



A. All things contain a vast quantity 

 of latent heat; but, as much as 1140 of 

 heat may remain latent in water. 



Q, How can 1140 of heat be added to water, 

 without being perceptible to our feelings ? 



A. 1st 140 of heat are hidden in 

 the water, when ice is melted by the sun 

 or fire. 2ndly 1000 more of heat are 

 secreted, when water is converted into 

 steam. Thus, before ice is converted into 

 steam, 1140 of heat become latent* 



Q. Can we be made to FEEL the heat of ICE 

 or snow ? 



A. Yes. Into a pint of snow put 

 half as much salt; then plunge your 

 hand into the liquid ; and it will feel so 

 intensely cold, that the snow itself will 

 seem quite warm in comparison to it. 



Q. Is SALT and SNOW really COLDER than 

 snow ? 



A. Yes, many degrees ; and by 



* Thus, one pint of boiling water, (212 according to the 

 thermometer,) will make 1800 pints of steam ; but the steam 

 is no hotter to the touch than boiling water, both are 212 : 

 therefore, when water is converted into steam, 1000 of heat 

 become latent. Hence, before ice is converted to steam, it 

 must contain 1140 of latent heat. 



