Melting

Melting is the process by which a solid substance changes to a liquid state when heat is applied. This change occurs when the temperature of the solid reaches its melting point.

Melting Process

When heat is applied to a solid substance, the molecules within the solid start to vibrate more rapidly. As the temperature increases, the energy of these vibrating molecules overcomes the forces holding them in a fixed position. Eventually, the solid structure breaks down, and the substance turns into a liquid.

Melting Point

Every solid substance has a specific temperature at which it melts, known as its melting point. The melting point is an important characteristic of a substance and can vary depending on the type of material.

Study Guide

1. What is melting?
2. Describe the melting process.
3. What is the melting point?
4. Why is the melting point important for a substance?

Understanding the process of melting is important in various fields such as material science, chemistry, and environmental science. By knowing how and why substances melt, scientists can develop new materials, study the behavior of different substances, and understand the changes that occur in the environment.