Question

Describe the movement of particles at the melting point of a substance. Consider what is happening with

temperature and energy.

Answer 1

At the melting point of a substance, the movement of particles is related to changes in temperature and energy. At this point, the heat energy being added to the solid substance is being used to overcome the intermolecular forces holding the particles in a fixed position, causing them to start vibrating more and more vigorously.

As the heat energy continues to be added, the particle movements become even more intense, causing the bonds between the particles to start breaking. Once enough bonds have been broken, the solid substance transforms into a liquid state, with the particles now able to slide freely over each other.

At the melting point, the temperature of the substance remains constant, as the heat energy being added is being used to convert the solid substance into a liquid, rather than to raise its temperature.

Step-by-step explanation:

Answer 2

As a substance melts, and goes from a solid to a liquid state, the kinetic energy of the molecules increases, and the molecules move faster, and they separate further and further away from each other. The intermolecluar forces holding the molecules together become weaker.

Step-by-step explanation:

1. Melting occurs when a solid is heated and turns to liquid. The particles in a solid gain enough energy to overcome the bonding forces holding them firmly in place. Typically, during melting, the particles start to move about, staying close to their neighbouring particles, then move more freely.