Amount of energy needed to melt a solid

In summary, the amount of energy needed to melt a solid, also known as the heat of fusion, is the specific amount of energy required to change a substance from its solid state to its liquid state at a constant temperature and pressure. This amount can be calculated using the formula Q=mL, where Q is the amount of energy in joules, m is the mass of the substance in grams, and L is the specific heat of fusion in joules/gram. The specific heat of fusion varies for each substance, depending on the strength of its intermolecular forces. Pressure does not have a significant effect on the amount of energy needed to melt a solid, except for substances with high vapor pressures. The amount of energy needed to melt a
  • #1
SelenaT
12
0

Homework Statement


A jeweler heats 25g of pure gold until molten. If the initial temperature of the gold is 22 degrees celcius, calculate the amount of energy required for the process.

Homework Equations


c = 129
Lf= 64 500
Lv = 1578000
Tmelt = 1064

The Attempt at a Solution


Q = mct
= 0.25kg(129)(1064-22)
= 33605J
 
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  • #2
You need to add the latent heat of fusion. The problem statement indicates that the gold in the final state is molten.

Chet
 
  • #3
And please get in the habit of indicating units for the quantities used in your calculations. It is very confusing otherwise.
 

Related to Amount of energy needed to melt a solid

1. What is the definition of "amount of energy needed to melt a solid"?

The amount of energy needed to melt a solid, also known as the heat of fusion, is the specific amount of energy required to change a substance from its solid state to its liquid state at a constant temperature and pressure.

2. How is the amount of energy needed to melt a solid calculated?

The amount of energy needed to melt a solid can be calculated using the formula Q=mL, where Q is the amount of energy in joules, m is the mass of the substance in grams, and L is the specific heat of fusion in joules/gram.

3. Does the amount of energy needed to melt a solid vary depending on the substance?

Yes, the amount of energy needed to melt a solid varies depending on the substance. Each substance has its own unique specific heat of fusion, which is determined by the strength of the intermolecular forces between its particles.

4. How does pressure affect the amount of energy needed to melt a solid?

Pressure does not have a significant effect on the amount of energy needed to melt a solid. However, for substances with high vapor pressures, an increase in pressure can result in a slight decrease in the melting point, which can affect the amount of energy needed to melt the solid.

5. Can the amount of energy needed to melt a solid be greater than its specific heat of fusion?

No, the amount of energy needed to melt a solid cannot be greater than its specific heat of fusion. This is because the specific heat of fusion is the maximum amount of energy required to melt a solid at a constant temperature and pressure. Any additional energy will result in a change in temperature rather than a change in state.

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