Which of the following describes a phase change related to solid-to-liquid transformation?

Which of the following describes a phase change related to solid-to-liquid transformation?

• A. Vaporization
• B. Condensation
• C. Melting
• D. Decantation

Answer: (C)

The phase change that describes the transformation from solid to liquid is known as melting. During this process, a solid absorbs heat energy, which causes its particles to vibrate more vigorously until they overcome the forces holding them in a fixed position, resulting in the substance transitioning into its liquid form. Understanding the concept of melting is essential in various contexts, including fire investigations, where the state of materials can indicate the intensity and duration of heat exposure. In contrast, vaporization refers to the process of transitioning from a liquid to a gas, condensation is the reverse process where vapor becomes liquid, and decantation is a physical separation technique for separating mixtures, which is not related to phase changes between solid and liquid.

The phase change that describes the transformation from solid to liquid is known as melting. During this process, a solid absorbs heat energy, which causes its particles to vibrate more vigorously until they overcome the forces holding them in a fixed position, resulting in the substance transitioning into its liquid form.

Understanding the concept of melting is essential in various contexts, including fire investigations, where the state of materials can indicate the intensity and duration of heat exposure.

In contrast, vaporization refers to the process of transitioning from a liquid to a gas, condensation is the reverse process where vapor becomes liquid, and decantation is a physical separation technique for separating mixtures, which is not related to phase changes between solid and liquid.