Solid particles can become liquid particles through a process called melting or fusion. This transformation occurs when the solid substance is heated to a temperature at which its molecules gain enough energy to overcome the forces holding them in a fixed position within the solid structure. Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how this process occurs:
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Heating: When a solid is heated, the kinetic energy of its particles increases. As the temperature rises, the particles vibrate more vigorously.
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Overcoming Intermolecular Forces: In a solid, particles are closely packed together in a structured arrangement due to intermolecular forces (like ionic bonds, covalent bonds, or van der Waals forces). As the thermal energy increases, the vibrations of the particles become strong enough to break these intermolecular forces.
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Phase Transition: At a specific temperature, known as the melting point, the particles have sufficient energy to transition from the structured arrangement of a solid to the more fluid arrangement of a liquid.
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Formation of Liquid: Once the solid has melted completely, it becomes a liquid where the particles are still close together but can move past one another freely, allowing the substance to flow.
This process is reversible; when a liquid is cooled, it can lose energy and return to a solid state through solidification or freezing.
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