The Magic of Heat: Melting Ice with Style

What is the specific latent heat of fusion of ice?

The specific latent heat of fusion of ice is 336000 J/kg. How does this value play a role in melting ice?

Answer:

The specific latent heat of fusion of ice is the amount of heat energy required to change 1 kg of ice at 0°C into 1 kg of water at the same temperature without any temperature change. When applied to melting ice, this value determines the amount of heat needed to transform solid ice into liquid water.

When we talk about the specific latent heat of fusion of ice, we are delving into the fascinating world of thermodynamics and heat transfer. This property of ice is crucial in understanding how heat energy affects the transformation of matter from one state to another.

In the case of ice, a specific amount of heat energy (336000 J/kg) is required to melt it into water at 0°C. This means that for every kilogram of ice, 336000 joules of energy must be supplied to convert it into the liquid state. The process of melting ice is a classic example of a phase change in which the substance transitions from a solid to a liquid without its temperature changing.

When applying this concept to practical scenarios, such as melting 2.5 kg of ice, we can easily calculate the total heat energy required. By multiplying the mass of ice (2.5 kg) by the specific latent heat of fusion (336000 J/kg), we find that 840000 joules of heat energy are needed to complete the transformation.

This calculation showcases the importance of understanding the specific latent heat of fusion in various scientific contexts. Whether it's in physics experiments, engineering projects, or simply exploring the wonders of thermodynamics, the magic of heat and its role in transforming ice into water never fails to captivate our imagination.