Beginner Topic 413 of 1102 Thermodynamics & Energetics
Heat of Fusion of Ice
About 334 joules per gram are needed to melt ice at 0 degrees Celsius.
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In-depth explanation of Heat of Fusion of Ice
The heat of fusion is the energy required to melt one gram of a solid at its melting point, without changing its temperature. For ice at 0 degrees Celsius this value is about 334 joules per gram, a large energy requirement that breaks the hydrogen-bonded lattice of the crystal. The same quantity of heat would raise an equal mass of liquid water by about 80 degrees Celsius, which is why ice is so effective at cooling drinks. This large latent heat also slows how quickly lakes and oceans freeze. Heat of fusion is thus a key property for food storage, climate and industrial refrigeration.
Going deeper: Heat of Fusion of Ice
Key ideas: Use q equals m times 334 J per gram for melting at 0 degrees Celsius. In a heating-curve problem, include warming the ice, melting, then warming the water. Ice at 0 degrees has far less cooling power than the melting process itself, which is why a cold pack of ice is effective.
Common mistakes and connections: Do not forget that temperature stays at 0 during melting. A frequent error is to apply specific heat of water to ice, which has a different value of about 2.09 J per gram kelvin. The topic leads to colligative properties, since solutes lower the freezing point.
Visualization of Heat of Fusion of Ice
Melting 1 g of ice at 0 C absorbs about 334 J without raising temperature: the flat step in the heating curve. The interactive lesson shows this as a live animation or chart.
Worked example and use case
Melting 100 g of ice at 0 degrees Celsius absorbs about 33.4 kilojoules of heat without any rise in temperature.
Frequently asked questions about Heat of Fusion of Ice
What is Heat of Fusion of Ice?
About 334 joules per gram are needed to melt ice at 0 degrees Celsius.
Is Heat of Fusion of Ice a beginner, intermediate or advanced topic?
Heat of Fusion of Ice is a beginner topic in Thermodynamics & Energetics. It needs no earlier chemistry lessons and is a good starting point.
What should I learn before Heat of Fusion of Ice?
Study these earlier topics in Thermodynamics & Energetics first: Joule Experiment, Standard Conditions, Calorie vs Joule.
What comes after Heat of Fusion of Ice?
The next topics in Thermodynamics & Energetics are Heat of Vaporization of Water and Thermodynamics of Dissolution.
Can I practise Heat of Fusion of Ice with quizzes?
Yes. The interactive lesson includes a self-check question on Heat of Fusion of Ice, and the Thermodynamics & Energetics quiz draws on every topic in this area.
Where Heat of Fusion of Ice fits in Thermodynamics & Energetics
Heat of Fusion of Ice is topic 85 of 91 in Thermodynamics & Energetics.