What process releases latent heat in water?

The process that releases latent heat in water is condensation. When water vapor in the atmosphere cools and changes from a gaseous state to a liquid state, it releases energy in the form of latent heat. This energy release occurs because the molecules of water release stored energy as they transition from a less organized state (gas) to a more organized state (liquid). This process is crucial in atmospheric phenomena, such as cloud formation and precipitation, as it helps to warm the surrounding air and influences weather patterns.

In contrast, other processes like evaporation absorb latent heat from the environment, which is necessary for water to change from liquid to gas. Freezing, on the other hand, involves the release of heat as water transitions from liquid to solid, but it is not the focus of this question. Melting similarly absorbs heat as ice changes to liquid water. Hence, condensation is uniquely associated with the release of latent heat.