i have to do a lab on finding the melting point , but i do not understand these instructions : for the known sample raise the temp until it is within 10 to 20 C of known value, and then lower the rate of heating to 2-3 C per minute

??
please explain with the temperature of 120 C

1 answer

If the known melting temp is say 450C, raise the temperature of the surrounding water bath to 440, then turn down the heat low, so the temperature slowly rises, at a slow rate, say 2C per minute.
If you went fast, you would miss the melting point, as there is only a brief time the sample stays at constant temperature before it melts. You don't want to miss it going by.