Endless Facts, One Snippet at a Time
The Magic of Melting and Freezing Explained
- Melting Point: Every solid has a temperature where it changes into liquid—ice melts at 0°C (32°F).
- Freezing Reverse: Lower the temperature, and the liquid solidifies again at the same point.
- Energy In, Energy Out: Melting absorbs heat, freezing releases it back into the surroundings.
- Molecular Motion: Melting speeds up molecules, while freezing slows them into place.
- Latent Heat: During melting or freezing, temperature stays steady until the change is complete.
- Everyday Example: Butter softening on warm toast is melting in action.
- Winter Wonder: Water turning to ice on ponds shows freezing at work.
- Supercooling Twist: Sometimes water cools below 0°C yet stays liquid until disturbed.
- Crystal Formation: Freezing locks molecules into neat, repeating crystal patterns.
- Cycle of Change: Melting and freezing show how matter constantly shifts with energy flow.