Melting point — Science definition
The temperature at which a solid turns into a liquid.
Where it is taught
- States of Matter & Phase Changes — Phases of Matter, Physical Science: Matter, Forces & Energy, Grade 8
In use
Adding energy drives the changes that loosen particles: melting turns a solid into a liquid at its melting point, and boiling turns a liquid into a gas at its boiling point (evaporation does the same thing more gently, only at the surface).
States of Matter & Phase Changes
Questions using melting point
Problem 1
A substance melts at −39 °C. A sample sits at −50 °C. How many degrees must it warm to reach its melting point?
Answer and explanation
11 °C
−39 − (−50) = 11 °C.