Question

Thermal energy needed to convert solid to liquid?

• A. Melting point
• B. Sublimation heat
• C. Heat of fusion
• D. Latent heat

Hint:

The heat of fusion is a key concept when studying phase changes in thermodynamics.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

To understand the thermal energy needed to convert a solid to a liquid, it is important to discuss the concept of phase transition. In this context, the specific term for the amount of thermal energy required is the Heat of Fusion.

Explanation:

1. Heat of Fusion: This is the specific amount of thermal energy required to change a substance from solid to liquid at its melting point without changing its temperature. It is an essential concept in thermodynamics when examining phase changes.
2. Melting Point: While closely related to the heat of fusion, the melting point is simply the temperature at which a solid becomes a liquid. It does not quantify the energy needed for the phase change itself.
3. Sublimation Heat: This term refers to the energy required for a substance to transition from a solid directly to a gas, bypassing the liquid phase. Thus, it does not apply to the solid-to-liquid transition.
4. Latent Heat: This is a broader term encompassing both latent heat of fusion and latent heat of vaporization. It describes the energy released or absorbed during a phase transition, at constant temperature and pressure, but is not specific to solid-to-liquid transitions alone.

Therefore, the correct answer is Heat of Fusion. This term specifically addresses the energy required to convert a solid into a liquid at a constant temperature.