Heat of fusion — Science definition
The energy absorbed to melt a given amount of a solid (and released when that amount freezes).
Where it is taught
- Kinetic Molecular Theory & Phase Changes — States of Matter & Gases, Physical Science: Chemistry, Grade 11
In use
The energy needed to melt a sample is its heat of fusion; the (larger) energy needed to boil it is its heat of vaporization.
Kinetic Molecular Theory & Phase Changes
Taught alongside
- kinetic molecular theory (KMT)
- kinetic energy
- phase change
- heating curve
- heat of vaporization
- phase diagram
- sublimation