What type of energy is involved during a phase transition at constant temperature?

During a phase transition at constant temperature, the energy involved is referred to as latent heat. This energy is required to change a substance from one phase to another, for example, from solid to liquid (melting) or from liquid to gas (vaporization), without changing its temperature.

When a substance undergoes a phase change, heat energy is absorbed or released, but the temperature remains constant until the transition is complete. This absorption or release of energy without a change in temperature is what defines latent heat. It represents the energy needed to overcome the intermolecular forces in solids and liquids, enabling the transition between different states of matter.

Thermal energy refers to the total energy of all the particles in an object, which does change with temperature. Potential energy is related to the position of particles and their interactions, while kinetic energy relates to the motion of particles. During a phase transition at constant temperature, these forms of energy don't account for the energy necessary for the change of state, which is specifically captured by the concept of latent heat.