When water at 0°C freezes to form ice at the same temperature of 0°C,...
Understanding the Freezing Process of Water
When water at 0°C freezes into ice at the same temperature, an important thermodynamic process occurs.
Heat Release During Freezing
- When water changes from a liquid to a solid state (freezing), it undergoes a phase transition.
- During this process, water molecules lose energy as they arrange themselves into a structured lattice formation characteristic of ice.
Latent Heat of Fusion
- The process of freezing involves the release of latent heat, known as the latent heat of fusion.
- For water, this value is approximately 334,000 J/kg (or 3.34 × 10^5 J/kg).
- This energy release is essential for the molecular transition from liquid to solid.
Implications of Heat Release
- As water freezes, it releases heat into the surrounding environment.
- This heat release is why freezing water can cause temperature drops in the surrounding air or surfaces.
Conclusion
- Therefore, the correct answer is that water releases some heat when it freezes at 0°C.
- Hence, option 'B' is accurate; the process is characterized by the release of heat rather than absorption or neutrality in energy exchange.
Understanding this concept is crucial in grasping the principles of thermodynamics and phase changes in matter.
When water at 0°C freezes to form ice at the same temperature of 0°C,...
When the liquid water turns to solid ice we find that water freezes without getting any colder. That's because the latent heat of fusion is being lost from the liquid as it solidifies and the temperature of the water does not fall so quickly.