Final answer:
The correct amount of energy required to melt 54 grams of ice at its melting point is calculated by multiplying the mass of the ice by the heat of fusion, which equals to 18036 joules, thus none of the multiple-choice options provided is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The heat of fusion of ice is a crucial concept to understand when calculating the energy required to convert ice at its melting point to liquid water. According to the information provided, the heat of fusion of ice is 334 joules per gram (J/g). To find the energy needed to melt 54 grams of ice, you simply multiply the mass of the ice by the heat of fusion:
Q = m × Lf
Q = 54 g × 334 J/g = 18036 joules.
Therefore, none of the options provided (a. 54 joules, b. 5,400 joules, c. 540 joules, d. 20 joules) is correct, as the correct amount of energy needed to melt 54 grams of ice at its melting point is 18036 joules.