meltings

Melting is a phase transition in which a substance changes from a solid to a liquid state. This process occurs when the substance absorbs enough heat to overcome the forces holding its particles together, allowing them to move more freely. The temperature at which melting occurs is known as the melting point. Different substances have different melting points, which can range from very low temperatures, such as mercury at -38.83 degrees Celsius, to very high temperatures, such as tungsten at 3,422 degrees Celsius.

The melting process can be influenced by various factors, including pressure and impurities. Increasing pressure generally raises the melting point, while impurities can lower it. For example, adding salt to ice lowers its melting point, which is why salt is often used to melt ice on roads.

Melting is a reversible process. If the liquid is cooled below its melting point, it will solidify again. This is why water, which melts at 0 degrees Celsius, freezes at the same temperature.

Melting is a fundamental concept in physics and chemistry, with applications in various fields, including materials science, geology, and engineering. Understanding melting is crucial for developing new materials, predicting geological phenomena, and designing efficient cooling systems.