Melting Point

The melting point of a substance is the temperature at which it changes from a solid to a liquid state. It is an important physical property that helps identify and characterize different substances.

Factors Affecting Melting Point

Several factors can affect the melting point of a substance:

• Intermolecular forces: Substances with stronger intermolecular forces typically have higher melting points.
• Molecular weight: Generally, substances with higher molecular weights have higher melting points.
• Crystal structure: The arrangement of atoms or molecules in a solid can affect its melting point.

Measuring Melting Point

Melting point is measured using a melting point apparatus, which allows for precise temperature control. The substance is heated at a controlled rate until it reaches its melting point, at which the temperature is recorded.

Applications of Melting Point

Knowledge of melting points is important in various fields:

• In chemistry, it is used to identify and purify substances.
• In materials science, it helps determine the suitability of materials for specific applications.
• In pharmaceuticals, it is crucial for determining the purity and quality of drugs.

Study Guide

To study melting point, consider the following:

• Understand the concept of intermolecular forces and their impact on melting point.
• Learn to interpret melting point data and its significance in identifying substances.
• Practice using a melting point apparatus and recording accurate measurements.
• Explore real-world applications of melting point in different fields.