Question

1. describe what happens when a solid is heated to its melting point.

Explanation:

When a solid is heated to its melting point, the heat energy is used to overcome the intermolecular forces holding the solid's particles (atoms, molecules, or ions) in a fixed, ordered arrangement. At the melting point, the solid and liquid phases coexist in equilibrium. As heating continues at this temperature, the solid gradually converts into a liquid. The temperature remains constant during the phase change (melting) because the energy is being used for the phase transition (breaking intermolecular bonds) rather than increasing the kinetic energy of the particles (which would raise the temperature). Once all the solid has melted, further heating will increase the temperature of the liquid.

Answer:

When a solid is heated to its melting point, the heat energy is used to overcome intermolecular forces. The solid and liquid coexist at this temperature. As heating continues (at constant temperature), the solid gradually melts into a liquid. After complete melting, further heating increases the liquid’s temperature.