smälta

Smälta is a Swedish verb that translates to "to melt" in English. It describes the physical process where a solid substance transitions into a liquid state due to an increase in temperature. This transformation occurs when the kinetic energy of the particles within the solid reaches a point where they can overcome the intermolecular forces holding them in a fixed structure. The temperature at which this transition occurs is known as the melting point, and it is a characteristic property of a given substance. For example, ice melts into water at 0 degrees Celsius, and iron melts at a much higher temperature, around 1538 degrees Celsius. The reverse process, when a liquid turns back into a solid, is called freezing or solidifying. Smälta can also be used in a figurative sense to describe the softening of emotions or a change in attitude, such as "hjärtat smälte" which means "the heart melted," indicating a feeling of tenderness or compassion.