Question

Explain the melting process on the basis of kinetic theory.

Answer 1

1. According to the kinetic theory, solid molecules are held very tightly and exert very strong attractive forces on each other.
2. On heating, the solid molecules gain kinetic energy and start vibrating about their mean position.
3. The Vibrations become stronger as the temperature of the solid keeps on increasing.
4. At a certain temperature called melting point, the molecules gain sufficient energy to overcome the mutual forces of attraction and molecules become free to move.
5. At this stage, the transition from solid to liquid state takes place.
6. During this process, the addition of heat will not result in a rise in temperature until the solid completely turns into liquid.
7. The heat supplied at this stage gets utilized in overcoming the intermolecular forces of attraction.
8. This process of change of solid into its liquid state is called melting or fusion.