What does sensible heat cause when added to a substance?

Study for the ABSA 4th Class Power Engineer Test. Explore questions with hints and explanations. Get ready to ace the exam!

When sensible heat is added to a substance, it causes a rise in temperature. Sensible heat refers to the amount of heat energy required to change the temperature of a substance without changing its state. For example, when you apply heat to water at a constant pressure, its temperature increases as you add sensible heat until it reaches its boiling point. This is why the correct answer highlights the increase in temperature; it reflects the direct relationship between heat addition and the temperature of the substance.

In contrast, a change of state, such as melting or boiling, typically occurs when latent heat is added rather than sensible heat. While increasing heat can lead to an increase in volume in some cases due to thermal expansion, this is a secondary effect and not the primary action of sensible heat. A decrease in pressure, although it can occur in certain circumstances, is not a direct effect of adding sensible heat. Overall, the relationship between sensible heat and temperature change is fundamental in thermodynamics and heat transfer concepts.

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