Ice melts on the counter primarily due to heat transfer. Here’s a concise explanation:
When ice is placed on a counter, the temperature of the counter is typically higher than 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit), which is the melting point of ice. Heat energy from the warmer air and the surface of the counter is transferred to the ice. This energy causes the molecules in the ice to vibrate more rapidly, breaking the bonds that hold them in a solid structure, and allowing the ice to transition into liquid water. This process continues until the ice has completely melted or the temperature of the ice reaches equilibrium with the surroundings.