Why does the temperature of substance remain constant during melting o...
Explanation of why the temperature of substance remains constant during melting or boiling
Introduction
When a substance undergoes a change of state from solid to liquid or from liquid to gas, the temperature of the substance remains constant even though heat is being added. This phenomenon is known as the latent heat of fusion or vaporization.
Latent Heat
The heat that is absorbed or released during a change of state is known as latent heat. This heat is required to break the intermolecular bonds between the particles of the substance.
Breaking Intermolecular Forces
During melting, the intermolecular forces between the particles of the solid are broken. The heat that is added is used to break these forces, and the temperature of the substance remains constant until all the solid has melted.
Energy for Breaking Bonds
The energy that is added to the substance is used for breaking the intermolecular bonds rather than increasing the temperature. This energy is stored in the substance in the form of potential energy.
Boiling
Similarly, during boiling, the intermolecular forces between the particles of the liquid are broken. The heat that is added is used to break these forces, and the temperature of the substance remains constant until all the liquid has boiled off.
Vaporization
The energy that is added to the substance is used for vaporization, which is the process of changing a liquid into a gas. The energy is used to break the intermolecular forces between the particles of the liquid and to overcome the pressure of the atmosphere.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the temperature of a substance remains constant during melting or boiling because the heat that is added is used to break the intermolecular forces between the particles of the substance rather than increasing the temperature. The energy is stored in the substance in the form of potential energy.