What is the primary factor in determining specific latent heat?

The primary factor in determining specific latent heat is the type of material involved. Specific latent heat is the amount of heat energy required to change a unit mass of a substance from one phase to another without a change in temperature. Different materials have different molecular structures, bonding types, and energy requirements for phase changes, which means that each substance requires a specific amount of energy to change its state.

For instance, the specific latent heat of fusion for ice (solid to liquid) is different from that of copper (solid to liquid), reflecting the differences in intermolecular forces and the arrangement of particles in these substances. Thus, the unique characteristics of the material dictate how much heat energy is necessary for the phase transition, establishing the specific latent heat associated with that substance.