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Melting

Definition

Melting is the process where a solid turns into a liquid due to an increase in temperature or pressure.

Analogy

Imagine ice cubes are like students sitting at their desks in class (solid state). When the bell rings for recess (increase in temperature), they all get up and start moving around freely on playground (liquid state). That's what happens when solids melt - their particles gain enough energy to move past each other freely just like students at recess!

Related terms

Freezing Point: The specific temperature at which a substance changes from liquid to solid.

Sublimation: The process where solids transform directly into gases without passing through liquid phase.

Fusion Heat: The amount of heat required to convert unit mass of solid into liquid at constant temperature.

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.