Final answer:
During a plateau section of a heating curve, the energy added is used to undergo a phase transition, such as melting or boiling, and does not cause a change in temperature.
Step-by-step explanation:
On a plateau section of a heating curve, the energy added does not create a change in temperature. Instead, it is used to undergo a phase transition. A phase transition occurs when a substance changes from one state to another, such as from solid to liquid or liquid to gas. During a plateau, the energy added is absorbed by the substance to break the intermolecular forces holding the particles together, allowing the substance to transition to the next phase without a change in temperature. This energy is known as the heat of fusion or heat of vaporization, depending on the specific phase transition.
For example, during the melting of ice, the temperature remains constant at 0°C as heat is continuously added. This heat energy is used to break the hydrogen bonds between water molecules and convert the solid ice into liquid water. Similarly, during boiling, the temperature remains constant at the boiling point (e.g., 100°C for water) as heat is absorbed to break the intermolecular forces and convert the liquid into a gas.
In summary, the energy added during a plateau section of a heating curve is used to facilitate a phase transition rather than causing a change in temperature.