What is the term for the energy required to change water into steam?

The term for the energy required to change water into steam is "latent heat." This refers specifically to the heat absorbed or released during a phase change of a substance without changing its temperature. In the case of water transitioning to steam, latent heat is necessary to overcome the intermolecular forces holding the water molecules together. This process occurs at a constant temperature (the boiling point), which distinguishes it from sensible heat, where energy changes the temperature of a substance without a phase change.

Potential energy relates to energy stored due to an object's position or condition, while kinetic energy involves the energy of motion. Sensible heat refers to the heat absorbed or released when a substance changes temperature without a phase change. Therefore, latent heat accurately describes the energy change required for the transformation from water to steam.