During a phase change like ice melting, what happens to the temperature of the substance?

During a phase change like ice melting, what happens to the temperature of the substance?

• A. It rises immediately
• B. It drops before stabilizing
• C. It stays the same until all ice melts
• D. It fluctuates repeatedly

Answer: (C)

During a phase change such as ice melting, the temperature of the substance remains constant until the transition is complete. When ice melts, it absorbs heat energy, known as latent heat, which is required for the phase transition from solid (ice) to liquid (water). While this energy is being absorbed, it does not result in an increase in temperature; instead, it is used to break the bonds between the ice molecules. As a result, the temperature stays the same throughout the melting process, continuing at 0 degrees Celsius until all the ice has transformed into liquid water. This phenomenon is a fundamental aspect of phase changes and illustrates the energy dynamics involved in changing states while maintaining thermal equilibrium during the transition.

During a phase change such as ice melting, the temperature of the substance remains constant until the transition is complete. When ice melts, it absorbs heat energy, known as latent heat, which is required for the phase transition from solid (ice) to liquid (water). While this energy is being absorbed, it does not result in an increase in temperature; instead, it is used to break the bonds between the ice molecules. As a result, the temperature stays the same throughout the melting process, continuing at 0 degrees Celsius until all the ice has transformed into liquid water. This phenomenon is a fundamental aspect of phase changes and illustrates the energy dynamics involved in changing states while maintaining thermal equilibrium during the transition.